bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transactional Leadership Revisited: Self–Other Agreement and Its Consequences
Authors: Whittington J. Lee , Coker Renee H. , Goodwin Vicki L. , Ickes William , Murray Brian
Published: July 2009

In a field study involving 209 leader–follower dyads, we examined leader–follower agreement regarding perceptions of the leaders' behavior style and follower outcomes of performance, organizational citizenship behavior, affective commitment, and trust in the leader. Using the self–other agreement paradigm, we found that agreement about a leader's style as transactional was positively related to these outcomes, whereas there was no relationship between agreement about a leader's transformational style and any of the outcomes. These findings support our view that a shared interpretation of the leader's transactional behavior is essential for positive follower outcomes, and may also be a necessary precondition for the effective use of transformational leader behavior. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.
Using the Knowledge‐and‐Appraisal Personality Architecture to Predict Physically Active Leisure Self‐Efficacy in University Students1
Authors: Wise James B.
Published: July 2009

Although self‐efficacy is a construct found throughout research literature, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that give rise to perceptions of personal confidence. This situation is changing as a result of the introduction of the knowledge‐and‐appraisal personality architecture (KAPA;Cervone, 2004), a theory proposed to explain the origins of self‐efficacy percepts. In the present study, KAPA's framework was utilized to predict university students' self‐efficacy toward 3 physically demanding leisure activities. The results support the theory's validity. Confidence was strongly related to how personal characteristics were thought to influence performance of a leisure activity. Self‐efficacy was significantly higher when personal attributes were thought to help with performance vs. when attributes were believed to hinder performance.
Side population of a murine mantle cell lymphoma model contains tumour‐initiating cells responsible for lymphoma maintenance and dissemination
Authors: Vega Francisco , Davuluri Yogesh , Cho‐Vega Jeong Hee , Singh Rajesh R. , Ma Shuguang , Wang Rui‐Yu , Multani Asha S. , Drakos Elias , Pham Lan V. , Lee Yen‐Chiu Lin , Shen Long , Ambrus Jr Julian , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Ford Richard J.
Published: July 2009

‘Cancer stem cells’ or ‘tumour initiating cells’ in B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas have not been demonstrated, although some studies focused on other cancer types suggest that such populations exist and represent tumour cells resistant to therapy and involved in relapse. These cells may also represent a putative neoplastic ‘cell of origin’ in lymphomas, but there is little substantive data to support this suggestion. Using cell lines derived from a recently established murine IL‐14α× c‐Myc double transgenic/mantle cell lymphoma‐blastoid variant model, heretofore referred to as DTG cell lines, we identified a subset of cells within the side population (SP) with features of ‘tumour‐initiating cells’. These features include higher expression of ABCG2 and BCL‐2, longer telomere length, greater self‐renewal ability and higher in vitro clonogenic and in vivo tumorigenic capacities compared with non‐SP. In addition, in vitro viability studies demonstrated that the non‐SP lymphoma subpopulation has a limited lifespan in comparison with the SP fraction. Syngenic transplant studies showed that non‐SP derived tumours, in comparison to the SP‐derived tumours, exhibit greater necrosis/apoptosis and less systemic dissemination capability. In conclusion, our data support the interpretation that the DTG SP fraction contains a cell population highly capable of tumour maintenance and systemic dissemination and lends support to the concept that ‘tumour‐initiating cells’ occur in lymphomas.
Temporal triangular alopecia with decreased follicular density
Authors: Silva C. Y. , Lenzy Y. M. , Goldberg L. J.
Published: July 2009

Temporal triangular alopecia (TTA) is a type of alopecia that is often congenital, and clinically exhibits hair loss on one or both temples. It is characterized histologically by a normal number of small hair follicles without significant inflammation. We report a patient with TTA whose biopsy exhibited a decreased number of hair follicles. There are limited reports of the histopathology of TTA, and most have utilized standard vertical sections. Of the handful of patients with transversely sectioned biopsies, follicular numbers have been reportedly normal. Our finding of a patient with TTA with a decreased number of hair follicles broadens the histologic spectrum of this disorder, and may have implications for pathogenesis.

Silva CY, Lenzy YM, Goldberg LJ. Temporal triangular alopecia with decreased follicular density
Patients’ self‐assessment of oral malodour and its relationship with organoleptic scores and oral conditions
Authors: Romano F , Pigella E , Guzzi N , Aimetti M
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to compare patients’ self‐rating of oral malodour with organoleptic evaluation and to relate them to oral conditions.

Methods:  One hundred and eighty systemically healthy patients with a primary complaint of oral malodour participated in this cross‐sectional study. They were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding family and social discomfort and type of halitosis complaint, and to score the degree of their own oral malodour. The quality of the mouth air was assessed organoleptically by a calibrated odour judge. Odour‐judge scores and self‐assessments of bad breath were compared with one another as well as with clinical parameters (plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth and tongue coating score).

Results:  The organoleptic test revealed that 93.9% of the subjects were found actually to have halitosis. The self‐rating of oral malodour varied widely among patients. In 37.8% of patients, there was a correspondence between subjective and organoleptic measurements. The better correspondence was evident at 2–3 scores. The organoleptic ratings were significantly related to clinical parameters, whereas patients’ self‐measurements did not. The bleeding index had the highest correlation coefficient among the periodontal parameters examined (r = 0.665, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Self‐estimation of bad breath correlated well with the presence of oral malodour as determined by organoleptic examination. Patients with slight or moderate oral halitosis presented the highest correlation rate between self‐ and odour‐judge assessment.
The relationship between oral hygiene and oral colonization with Candida species in healthy adult subjects*
Authors: Darwazeh AM‐G , Hammad MM , Al‐Jamaei AA
Published: July 2009

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00371.x Darwazeh AM‐G, Hammad MM, Al‐Jamaei AA. The relationship between oral hygiene and oral colonization with Candida species in healthy adult subjects.

Abstract:  Poor oral hygiene has been frequently suggested as a predisposing factor for oral candidal colonization, but the convincing evidence is lacking.

Objective:  To assess and compare oral candidal colonization, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in groups of healthy dentate subjects with different levels of oral hygiene as determined by the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) scores.

Methods:  The concentrated oral rinse technique was used to isolate Candida species from 149 healthy dentate subjects. Candida species were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar plates and identified by germ‐tube test and the automated Vitek® system biochemical yeast card. According to the PI and GI scores, subjects were divided into different groups of oral hygiene level.

Results:  Candida species were isolated from 86 (57.7%) subjects. The prevalence of candidal carriage increased significantly as a function of age (P = 0.023), but was comparable between males and females (58.7% and 56.7% respectively; P = 0.87). Oral candidal carriage rate and density were not affected by the levels of dental plaque or gingival condition. The prevalence of oral candididal carriage was significantly higher in the subjects who were not using dental floss compared with those who were using dental floss (P = 0.032).

Conclusion:  Oral hygiene status, as determined by the PI and the GI scores per se, does not affect oral candidal colonization in healthy dentate subjects.
Periovulatory Morphometric and Vascular Modifications of the Clitoris in Young Adult and Middle-Aged Women. A Pilot Study
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Nappi Rossella Elena , Cianciosi Arianna , Busacchi Paolo , Sisti Giovanni , Paradisi Roberto , Venturoli Stefano
Published: July 2009

Introduction

A decline in sexual activity has been reported as women age.

Aim

To compare, in young adult and middle-aged women, the clitoral volumetric and vascular modifications during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, and to analyze their relationship with circulating hormones, nitric oxide levels, and with questionnaires on sexuality, relationship, and depression.

Methods

Fifteen young (18–25 years; Group I), and 16 middle-aged (35–45 years; Group II) eumenorrheic women were submitted, on day 14 of their menstrual cycle, to utero-ovarian and clitoral ultrasonographic analysis, and to color Doppler evaluation of the uterine and dorsal clitoral arteries. On the same day, hormonal parameters and plasma concentrations of nitrites/nitrates were assayed, and the two-factor Italian McCoy female questionnaire and the Beck’s Depression Inventory questionnaire were administered.

Main Outcomes Measures

Utero-ovarian and clitoral ultrasonographic analysis, color Doppler evaluation of the uterine and dorsal clitoral arteries; evaluation of hormonal and nitrites/nitrates plasma concentrations; administration of the two-factor Italian McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire and the Beck’s Depression Inventory questionnaire.

Results

The plasma levels of estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and nitrites/nitrates were similar in both groups. Neither the ultrasonographic assessment of the clitoral body volume (0.82 ± 0.24 mL vs. 0.73 ± 0.26 mL) nor the Doppler analysis of the dorsal clitoral artery [pulsatility index (PI) = 1.35 ± 0.31 vs. PI = 1.36 ± 0.19] evidenced any significant differences in either Group I or Group II. The two-factor Italian McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire gave the same results in Group I and Group II. The relationship between the different parameters evidenced that the NO2−/NO3− circulating levels are inversely correlated with uterine artery (r = −0.4611; P = 0.008) and dorsal clitoral artery (r = −0.331; P = 0.041) PIs. Furthermore, estradiol resulted inversely correlated with depression (r = −0.332; P = 0.045). The two sections (sexuality and partnership) of Italian McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire were positively correlated (r = 0.849; P < 0.0001) between each other.

Conclusions

In eumenorrheic young adult and middle-aged women, the periovulatory clitoral anatomic and vascular modifications similarly occur.
Menopause Leading to Increased Vaginal Wall Thickness in Women with Genital Prolapse: Impact on Sexual Response
Authors: Da Silva Lara Lúcia Alves , Da Silva Alfredo Ribeiro , Rosa-e-Silva Júlio César , Chaud Fernando , Silva-de-Sá Marcos Felipe , Meireles e Silva Antônio Renato , De Sá Rosa-e-Silva Ana Carolina Japur
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Hypoestrogenism causes structural changes in the vaginal wall that can lead to sexual dysfunction. A reduction in vaginal wall thickness has been reported to occur after menopause, although without precise morphometry.

Aim

To measure vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse in normal and hypoestrogenic conditions and to correlate sexual dysfunction with vaginal wall thickness and estradiol levels.

Methods

Surgical vaginal specimens from 18 normoestrogenic and 13 postmenopausal women submitted to surgery for genital prolapse grades I and II were examined. Patients were evaluated for FSH, estradiol, prolactin, glycemia, and serum TSH levels. For histological analysis, samples were stained with Masson’s trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin. Sexual function was assessed by the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS).

Main Outcome Measures

GRISS questionnaire, histological analysis, morphometric methods, Masson’s trichrome.

Results

The vaginal wall was thicker in the postmenopausal than premenopausal group (2.72 ± 0.72 mm and 2.16 ± 0.43, P = 0.01, and 2.63 ± 0.71 mm and 2.07 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.01, for the anterior and posterior walls, respectively). These thicknesses seem to be due to the muscular layer, which was also thicker in the postmenopausal group (1.54 ± 0.44 and 1.09 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.02, and 1.45 ± 0.47 and 1.07 ± 0.44 mm, P = 0.03, for the anterior and posterior wall, respectively). The vaginal epithelium was thinner in the middle segment than in the proximal one in the posterior wall (0.17 ± 0.07 mm, 0.15 ± 0.05 mm, 0.24 ± 0.09 mm, P = 0.02). There was no correlation between coital pain, vaginal wall thickness, and estradiol levels in either group.

Conclusion

The vaginal wall is thicker after menopause in women with genital prolapse. In this study, vaginal thickness and estrogen levels were not related to sexual dysfunction.
Ethical Conflicts over the Management of Transsexual Adolescents—Report of Two Cases
Authors: Baltieri Danilo Antonio , Prado Cortez Fernanda Cestaro , De Andrade Arthur Guerra
Published: July 2009

Introduction

The diagnosis and the treatment of transsexualism, particularly during adolescence, generate considerable discussion among specialists. Many health and legal professionals have not yet reached a strong consensus on medical treatment for juvenile transsexuals. Hormonal therapy cannot only represent a medical procedure to adjust the somatic sex to the psychological gender, but can also be a reasonable means of preventing some juvenile transsexuals from engaging in undesirable and risky behavior.

Aim

To report the cases of two transsexual adolescents who resorted to prostitution to afford hormonal medications when treatment was denied because of age criteria.

Results

Hormonal medications were not recommended by the endocrinology staff because specific laws regulating this medical procedure for juvenile transsexuals in Brazil are lacking. In response, these adolescents chose to use illegally obtained sex hormones to treat themselves.

Conclusions

We propose “harm reduction” as a means of coping with this dilemma in some cases.
COMPARISON STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CRUDE GREEN TEA POLYPHENOLS ON THE QUALITY OF DRIED CATFISH DURING AMBIENT STORAGE
Authors: DEMBELE S. , WANG D.F. , SUN J.P. , DONG S.Y.
Published: July 2009

The comparative antioxidant effect of adding different crude green tea polyphenols (GTP) and vitamin C (VC) on the susceptibility of dried catfish (Clarias gariepinus) quality changes during ambient storage was investigated. Catfish fillet was treated with different concentrations of GTP: 1% NaCl plus 0.01% GTP, 1% NaCl plus 0.03% GTP and 1% NaCl plus 0.01% of VC before drying process. Control muscle sample (CK) was treated only with 1% of NaCl solution (without GTP extract) contained only 1% NaCl, but not GTP. Samples were oven‐dried for 5 days at 45C. The quality change was evaluated over a course of 4 weeks for pH, volatile basis nitrogen, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free fatty acid. The results indicated that the most effective antioxidant was GTP and there was no significant differences (P < 0.01) between laboratory‐extracted crude green tea polyphenol and commercial crude green tea polyphenol. This study pointed out that GTP is a good natural antioxidant in comparison with VC and CK, so, it could be easily used in food industry to improve quality and shelf life of food products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Fish is a very important foodstuff because of its high protein content and nutritional value. It is also a greatly perishable product, especially in hot climates and tropical areas where cold preservation techniques are often missing and quality losses can occur very rapidly after catch. Addition of antioxidants during drying process can be used to inhibit lipid oxidation and microbial and insect infestation. However, questions regarding the safety of synthetic antioxidants together with consumer's preference have led to increased interest and research on natural antioxidants. Consumers favor natural antioxidants, which may have a positive effect on human health. Green tea polyphenol (GTP) as a natural antioxidant has lower toxicity than synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene, and more effectiveness than VC. It can be used as an alternative to VC to extend the quality of fish and fish products during storage.
RHEOLOGICAL CHANGES IN REFRIGERATED DOUGH DURING STORAGE IN RELATION TO PROTEINS
Authors: ZHANG YU , SIMSEK SENAY , CAMPANELLA OSVALDO H. , OHM JAE B. , CHANG HECTOR , REUHS BRADLEY L. , MERGOUM MOHAMED
Published: July 2009

Refrigerated dough is a flour‐based, unbaked product that is stored between 4 and 7C. The aim of this work was to study the rheological properties of refrigerated dough during storage and determine their correlations with dough proteins. Rheological properties were determined using texture analyzer and dynamic oscillatory rheometry during 34 days of storage. The protein analysis was performed by size‐exclusion high performance liquid chromatography. On day 34, Rmax was 93.8% higher than day 0. Both, the G′and G″moduli decreased during storage. Dough exhibited the major decreases on the moduli on day 3 and day 16. By comparing the viscoelastic properties of day 0 and day 16, a 50% decrease on the elastic modulus and a roughly 30% decrease in the loss modulus were observed. Changes in the protein fractions of dough samples were related to their rheological properties. The high and low molecular weight polymeric protein and gliadin were positively correlated to dough extensibility (r > 0.8343).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

By definition, refrigerated dough is a flour‐based, unbaked product that is stored between 4 and 7C. Today's refrigerated dough industry traces its origin to a small bakery that started business in Louisville, KY in 1937. The first refrigerated dough product was a chemically leavened biscuit with a shelf life of about 3 weeks. Today, the refrigerated dough market encompasses a wide range of products available in the U.S.A. as well as the international market, including Western Europe and Canada. There are very limited peer review articles on the topic. This study investigated the stability of refrigerated dough during storage. The results obtained in the present work showed that protein composition of dough is altered during storage and these changes affect the rheological properties of dough samples. We believe that the refrigerated dough industry will find the presented research very useful in their applications.
Burning mouth syndrome: Identification, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Rivinius Carey
Published: July 2009

Purpose: To provide an overview of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), describe the role of the clinician when a patient presents with the burning mouth complaint, offer guidance in differentiating the cause of the complaint, and identify potential treatment options for the patient suffering from BMS.

Data sources: A search of MD Consult, Medline, and EBSCO Host Research Databases with the terms “burning mouth” and “BMS.”

Conclusions: BMS is a common, chronic disorder of unknown etiology with no underlying or systemic causes or oral signs identified. It affects more than 1 million people in the United States, predominantly postmenopausal women. Despite the common nature of the disorder, it is often misunderstood. Palliative treatment, education, and support should be offered to the patient with idiopathic BMS. A variety of treatment options exist, including benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, alpha‐lipoic acid, topical capsaicin, and cognitive therapy can be added to the medication regimen for greater benefit.

Implications for practice: The role of the clinician is to obtain a meticulous history and physical examination of the patient, order relevant diagnostic tests, and rule out treatable conditions that may be causing the burning mouth symptom. If secondary causes of BMS are ruled out, the clinician should present treatment options to the patient and consider referral to specialists as necessary. A combination of medications may be more effective than a single medication.
A phenomenological perspective on advanced practice nurse–physician collaboration within an interdisciplinary healthcare team
Authors: O'Brien Jill L. , Martin Donald R. , Heyworth Judith A. , Meyer Nancy R.
Published: July 2009

Purpose: To investigate how advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physicians (MDs) within a multisite nursing home practice perceive and describe their experiences of collaboration in an interdisciplinary team.

Data sources: A phenomenological analysis of in‐depth interviews of eight APNs and five MDs working in team practice across multiple nursing homes.

Conclusions: This phenomenological analysis reveals that the lived experience of these professionals affirms four thematic clusters (meaning units) as essential for collaboration: approachability, interpersonal skills, listening, and verbal message skills. However, APNs and MDs diverge in their perceptions of the behaviors currently operative or required to achieve the collaboration components sought. The invariants—that without which a phenomenon cannot be—differ for APNs and MDs.

Implications for practice: Although both parties reference identical terms, when the language is unpacked, different behaviors are sought by APNs and MDs to achieve collaboration. This suggests that discussions concerning collaboration between APNs and MDs should not remain at the level of generalizations wherein apparent agreement might be assumed; instead, focused exchanges must concern specific behaviors in discrete instances.
An intervention to change clinician behavior: Conceptual framework for the multicolored simplified asthma guideline reminder (MSAGR)
Authors: O'Laughlen Mary C. , Hollen Patricia , Ting Stanislaus , Goolsby Mary Jo
Published: July 2009

Clinical practice guidelines decrease variation in health care because they standardize the care offered by healthcare providers. Seventeen years after publication, the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines are considered the “gold standard” in asthma care, yet they remain underutilized despite three revisions with the latest in July 2007. Multiple factors are presented for lack of adherence to the guidelines. This article discusses the Multicolored, Simplified Asthma Guideline Reminder (MSAGR), an algorithm chart intervention for helping change clinicians' behavior for better adherence to the NAEPP guidelines, and describes the conceptual framework underpinning this intervention as a means of predicting better outcomes for providers and children.
Effects of Asparagus officinalis Extracts on Liver Cell Toxicity and Ethanol Metabolism
Authors: Kim B.‐Y. , Cui Z.‐G. , Lee S.‐R. , Kim S.‐J. , Kang H.‐K. , Lee Y.‐K. , Park D.‐B.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT:  Asparagus officinalis is a vegetable that is widely consumed worldwide and has also long been used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of several diseases. Although A. officinalis is generally regarded as a supplement for the alleviation of alcohol hangover, little is known about its effects on cell metabolism. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the constituents of the young shoots and the leaves of asparagus and to compare their biochemical properties. The amino acid and inorganic mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots. In addition, treatment of HepG2 human hepatoma cells with the leaf extract suppressed more than 70% of the intensity of hydrogen peroxide (1 mM)‐stimulated DCF fluorescence, a marker of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cellular toxicities induced by treatment with hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, or tetrachloride carbon (CCl4) were also significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of A. officinalis leaves and shoots. Additionally, the activities of 2 key enzymes that metabolize ethanol, alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, were upregulated by more than 2‐fold in response to treatment with the leaf‐ and shoot extracts. Taken together, these results provide biochemical evidence of the method by which A. officinalis exerts its biological functions, including the alleviation of alcohol hangover and the protection of liver cells against toxic insults. Moreover, the results of this study indicate that portions of asparagus that are typically discarded, such as the leaves, have therapeutic use.
Electrodialysis Desalination of Fish Sauce: Electrodialysis Performance and Product Quality
Authors: Chindapan Nathamol , Devahastin Sakamon , Chiewchan Naphaporn
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT:  Fish sauce has a unique, pleasant flavor, but contains high levels of sodium chloride, which is nowadays not desirable for health‐conscious consumers. Although many researchers have attempted to solve this problem by substituting sodium with potassium in fish sauce, potassium‐based products are still unsuitable for patients with kidney disease. Thus, electrodialysis (ED) desalination of fish sauce was carried out. The rate of salt removal, evolution of total soluble solids, and electrical conductivity of the electrodialysis‐treated fish sauce were investigated. Moreover, the system performance in terms of yield, energy consumption, and current efficiency were examined. Density, viscosity, ion concentrations (that is, Na+, K+), total nitrogen, amino nitrogen, and color were investigated at various values of input voltage (6, 7, and 8 V) and remaining salt concentration (22%, 18%, 14%, 10%, 6%, and 2%[w/w]). The results indicated that an increase in the input voltage led to an increase in the rates of salt removal, electrical conductivity, and total soluble solids. The energy consumption increased whereas current efficiency and yield decreased significantly with an increase in input voltage and the salt removal level. Physicochemical properties of the treated fish sauce, in terms of the total soluble solids, density, viscosity, ion concentrations (that is, Na+, K+), total nitrogen, and color were significantly affected by the input voltage and the salt‐removal level.
A Comparison of the Fluorescence Spectra of Murine and Bovine Central Nervous System and Other Tissues
Authors: Adhikary Ramkrishna , Schönenbrücher Holger , Rasmussen Mark A. , Casey Thomas A. , Hamir Amir N. , Kehrli Marcus E. , Richt Jürgen A. , Petrich Jacob W.
Published: July 2009

We describe a comparison of the fluorescence spectra of bovine tissues with murine tissues in order to determine whether spectral features are conserved and whether an appropriate and practical laboratory small animal model system could be identified to be used for investigation of tissue‐ and age‐related fluorescence signal patterns. Recently it has been shown that spectral signatures of lipofuscin have enabled the detection of bovine central nervous system (CNS) tissue in meat products with high sensitivity (Schönenbrücher, H., Adhikary, R., Mukherjee, P., Casey, T.A., Rasmussen, M.A., Maistrovich, F.D., Hamir, A.N., Kehrli, M.J., Richt, J., Petrich, J.W. [2008] J Agric Food Chem56, 6220–6226). We report that brain and spinal cord of mice provide fluorescence spectra similar to those of bovine brain and spinal cord. It is concluded that murine CNS tissue is an appropriate model system for bovine CNS tissue for the development of fluorometric CNS detection assays.
Efficacy and Safety of Long‐Term Treatment With the Combination of Amlodipine Besylate and Olmesartan Medoxomil in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Chrysant Steven G. , Oparil Suzanne , Melino Michael , Karki Sulekha , Lee James , Heyrman Reinilde
Published: July 2009

The authors report on the 44‐week open‐label extension of the 8‐week, double‐blind Combination of Olmesartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate in Controlling High Blood Pressure (COACH) trial in 1684 patients. Initial therapy was amlodipine (AML) plus olmesartan medoxomil (OM) 5+40 mg/d, up‐titrated to AML+OM 10+40 mg/d plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg then 25 mg if patients did not achieve blood pressure (BP) goal (<140/90 mm Hg or <130/80 mm Hg in patients with diabetes). Baseline mean BP decreased from 164/102 mm Hg to 131/82 mm Hg at end of study, with an overall 66.7% of patients, including those with diabetes, achieving BP goal. The BP goal achievement was 80% for AML+OM 5+40 mg/d, 70.6% for AML+OM 10+40 mg/d, 66.6% for AML+OM+HCTZ 10+40+12.5 mg/d, and 46.3% for AML+OM+HCTZ 10+40+25 mg/d. Study medication was safe and well tolerated. Combination antihypertensive therapy with AML+OM±HTCZ, up‐titrated as necessary, allowed a majority of patients to achieve BP goal.
The biology of environmental mycobacteria
Authors: Falkinham III Joseph O.
Published: July 2009

Although the environmental mycobacteria are slow growing relative to other microorganisms in water and soil which would suggest that they are poor competitors, compensating factors permit survival, growth and persistence in natural and human‐engineered environments. Factors such as the hydrophobic, lipid‐rich impermeable envelope, biofilm formation, acid resistance, anaerobic survival and metabolism of recalcitrant carbon compounds permit survival and growth of the environmental mycobacteria in a wide range of natural and human‐engineered habitats. High numbers of environmental mycobacteria are found in coastal swamps and estuaries and boreal, peat‐rich forest soils and waters. The hydrophobic surface results in concentration of the environmental mycobacteria at interfaces (air–water and surface–water) and in aerosolized droplets ejected from water. The survival and growth in protozoa and amoebae permit environmental mycobacteria to persist in habitats subject to predation and likely led to survival and growth in phagocytic cells of animals. Finally, slow growth allows time for mycobacterial cells to adapt to changing conditions before loss of viability.
Ultrasound‐Guided Cytology of Spleen and Liver: A Prognostic Tool in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor
Authors: Stefanello D. , Valenti P. , Faverzani S. , Bronzo V. , Fiorbianco V. , Pinto da Cunha N. , Romussi S. , Cantatore M. , Caniatti M.
Published: July 2009

Background:In the clinical staging of cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCT), the diagnosis of metastasis is controversial based on cytological examination of lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and blood.

Objectives:To define the prognostic role of ultrasound‐guided cytology of spleen and liver in cMCT. The results of cytological evaluation were compared in relation with survival time.

Animals:Fifty‐two client‐owned dogs with a diagnosis of cMCT.

Methods:Selection of cases was based on cytological evaluation of liver and spleen to detect infiltration at distant sites. The Kaplan Meier method was used to compare survival in dogs with and without infiltration of spleen and liver (log‐rank testP< .05).

Results:Ten dogs with cMCT had mast cell infiltration of spleen, liver, or both and 4 of these dogs had involvement of the regional lymph nodes. The majority of dogs had 2 or more ultrasonographically abnormal findings simultaneously in spleen and liver. Nine dogs had grade II cMCT, and 1 had grade III cMCT. Dogs with positive evidence of mast cell infiltration to spleen, liver, or both had shorter survival times (34 versus 733 days) compared with dogs negative for mast cell infiltration at distant sites.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance:Dogs with evidence of mast cell infiltration at distant sites have a shorter survival times than dogs without evidence of infiltration at distant sites. This study suggests that cytology of spleen and liver is indicated either for ultrasonographically normal or for ultrasonographically abnormal spleen and liver in dogs with cMCT.
Correlation of Serum Cardiac Troponin I and Myocardial Damage in Cattle with Monensin Toxicosis
Authors: Varga A. , Schober K.E. , Holloman C.H. , Stromberg P.C. , Lakritz J. , Rings D.M.
Published: July 2009

Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is used as a biomarker of myocardial injury in people and small animals. Little is known about the diagnostic use of cTnI in cattle.

Hypothesis: Serum cTnI correlates to myocardial function and histopathologic lesions in cattle with monensin‐induced myocardial injury.

Animals: Ten healthy cows.

Methods: Experimental study. Animals received 1 dose of monensin PO; 30 mg/kg (n = 1) or 40 mg/kg (n = 1) (Group A) or 50 mg/kg monensin (n = 8) (Group B) of body weight. Repeated measurements were performed of serum cTnI, biochemistry, and ECG and echocardiography until study termination at 80 (Group A) and 144 hours (Group B) after dosing. Semiquantitative histopathologic examinations of the heart were performed in each cow. A scoring system with regard to the magnitude of myocardial injury was established and a total heart score was compared with maximum cTnI concentration measured after monensin administration. Five hearts from healthy cows served as controls.

Results: Increased cTnI (>0.07 ng/mL) was found in 9/10 cows. cTnI was significantly associated with left ventricular shortening fraction (r2= 0.51; P= .02) and myocardial histopathologic lesion score (r2= 0.49; P= .021). All cows (n = 7) with evidence of myocardial necrosis had a cTnI concentration ≥ 1.04 ng/mL.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: cTnI is related to myocardial necrosis and severity of myocardial damage in cattle with monensin toxicosis. cTnI could become a useful diagnostic tool in the noninvasive assessment of myocardial injury in cattle with naturally occurring cardiac disease.
A STRUCTURALLY BASED ANALYTIC MODEL FOR ESTIMATION OF BIOMASS AND FUEL LOADS OF WOODLAND TREES
Authors: TAUSCH ROBIN J.
Published: July 2009

AbstractAllometric/structural relationships in tree crowns are a consequence of the physical, physiological, and fluid conduction processes of trees, which control the distribution, efficient support, and growth of foliage in the crown. The structural consequences of these processes are used to develop an analytic model based on the concept of branch orders. A set of interrelated equations describe the relationships between structural characteristics, including the distribution of a tree's foliage and the partitioning of the structural components within the crown for the efficient support of that foliage. The foliage biomass distribution in a tree crown and the geometric relationships between the branch orders supporting that distribution are used to define a functional depth that is used to compute an associated functional crown volume. These are computed first for the foliage and then for each of the tree's branch orders. Each functional crown volume is linearly related to its respective biomass component. These consistent linear relationships are demonstrated first with data from pinyon pine and then with data from Utah juniper and Valencia orange trees. The structural changes and associated biomass distribution changes suggest that crown growth is controlled from the outside in, with the resulting structural changes an emergent property of crown adjustment to the annual addition of new foliage. The relationships derived are potentially applicable across a range of additional tree species, in other woody species and applicable over a wide range of locations and conditions.
UNSTEADY STATE DISPERSION OF AIR POLLUTANTS UNDER THE EFFECTS OF DELAYED AND NONDELAYED REMOVAL MECHANISMS
Authors: AGARWAL MANJU , TANDON ABHINAV
Published: July 2009

Abstract In this paper, we present a two‐dimensional time‐dependent mathematical model for studying the unsteady state dispersion of air pollutants emitted from an elevated line source in the atmosphere under the simultaneous effects of delayed (slow) and nondelayed (instantaneous) removal mechanisms. The wind speed and coefficient of diffusion are taken as functions of the vertical height above the ground. The deposition of pollutants on the absorptive ground and leakage into the atmosphere at the inversion layer are also included in the model by applying appropriate boundary conditions. The model is solved numerically by the fractional step method. The Lagrangian approach is used to solve the advection part, whereas the Eulerian finite difference scheme is applied to solve the part with the diffusion and removal processes. The solutions are analyzed to observe the effects of coexisting delayed and nondelayed removal mechanisms on overall dispersion. Comparison of delayed and nondelayed removal processes of equal capacity shows that the latter (nondelayed) process is more effective than the former (delayed removal) in the removal of pollutants from the atmosphere.
Electrical coupling synchronises spinal motoneuron activity during swimming in hatchlingXenopustadpoles
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Yan , Li Wen‐Chang , Heitler William J. , Sillar Keith T.
Published: July 2009

The role of electrical coupling between neurons in the swimming rhythm generator ofXenopusembryos has been studied using pharmacological blockade of gap junctions. A conspicuous effect of 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (18β‐GA) and carbenoxolone, which have been shown to block electrical coupling in this preparation, was to increase the duration of ventral root bursts throughout the spinal cord during swimming. The left‐right coordination, the swimming frequency and the duration of swimming episodes were not affected by concentrations of 18β‐GA which significantly increased burst durations. However, the longitudinal coupling was affected such that 18β‐GA led to a significant correlation between rostrocaudal delays and cycle periods, which is usually only present in older larval animals. Patch clamp recordings from spinal motoneurons tested whether gap junction blockers affect the spike timing and/or firing pattern of motoneurons during fictive swimming. In the presence of 18β‐GA motoneurons continued to fire a single, but broader action potential in each cycle of swimming, and the timing of their spikes relative to the ventral root burst became more variable. 18β‐GA had no detectable effect on the resting membrane potential of motoneurons, but led to a significant increase in input resistance, consistent with the block of gap junctions. This effect did not result in increased firing during swimming, despite the fact that multiple spikes can occur in response to current injection. Applications of 18β‐GA at larval stage 42 had no discernible effect on locomotion. The results, which suggest that electrical coupling primarily functions to synchronize activity in synergistic motoneurons during embryo swimming, are discussed in the context of motor system development.
Thermally-Induced Change in the Relaxation Behavior of Skin Tissue
Authors: Xu F. , Lu T. J. , Seffen K. A.
Published: July 2009

Skin biothermomechanics is highly interdisciplinary, involving bioheat transfer, burn damage, biomechanics, and physiology. Characterization of the thermomechanical behavior of skin tissue is of great importance and can contribute to a variety of medical applications. However, few quantitative studies have been conducted on the thermally-dependent mechanical properties of skin tissue. The aim of the present study is to experimentally examine the thermally-induced change in the relaxation behavior of skin tissue in both hyperthermal and hypothermic ranges. The results show that temperature has great influence on the stress-relaxation behavior of skin tissue under both hyperthermal and hypothermic temperatures; the quantitative relationship that has been found between temperature and the viscoelastic parameter (the elastic fraction or fractional energy dissipation) was temperature dependent, with greatest dissipation at high temperature levels.
Dynamic Effect of Heat Shock Pretreatment on Apoptotic Responses to TNF-α in Liver Cells
Authors: Wang Sihong , Chen Pohun C. , Berthiaume Francois , Toner Mehmet , Jayaraman Arul , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: July 2009

The heat shock (HS) response is a protective mechanism for cells to protect themselves against subsequent lethal stress. HS upregulated heat shock protein (HSP) expression reduced apoptosis following tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation. However, vector-mediated overexpression of HSP70 failed to provide similar protection but rather sensitized cells to TNF-α induced apoptosis. This may be due to the fact that the kinetics of vector-mediated HSP overexpression is totally different from that of HSP upregulation by HS. We hypothesized that the response depends on the timing of TNF-α challenge relative to HSP expression dynamics after HS. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between the dynamic change of HSP expression and the levels of apoptosis induced by TNF-α after HS. Hepatoma cells were subjected to mild heat shock at 42°C for 2 h followed by varied recovery times and then treated with TNF-α to induce apoptosis. The results from quantitative apoptosis assays using the TUNEL reaction reveal an optimal HS protection window centered around 5 h post-HS against TNF-α induced apoptosis. In addition, we found a window extending up to 2 h after HS where HS sensitized cells to TNF-α stress. Importantly, the correlation between apoptosis and HSP expression kinetics demonstrates that both high levels of HSPs and proper timing between HS and TNF-α stress were critical for optimal protection. Our study establishes a dynamic experimental model for further investigation of HS as a potential clinical approach to target tissue survival or death.
A Microfluidic Manipulator for Enrichment and Alignment of Moving Cells and Particles
Authors: Chen Hsiu-hung , Sun Bingbing , Tran Kenny K. , Shen Hong , Gao Dayong
Published: July 2009

Grooved structures have been widely studied in particle separation and fluid mixing in microfluidic channel systems. In this brief report, we demonstrate the use of patterning flows produced by two different sorts of grooved surfaces: single slanted groove series (for enrichment patterns) and V-shaped groove series (for focusing patterns), into a microfluidic device to continuously manipulate the flowing particles, including microbeads with 6 μm, 10 μm, and 20 μm in diameter and mouse dendritic cells of comparable sizes to the depth of the channel. The device with grooved channels was developed and fabricated by soft-lithographic techniques. The particle distributions after passing through the single slanted grooves illustrate the size-dependent enrichment profiles. On the other hand, particles passing through the V-shaped grooves show focusing patterns downstream, for the combination effect from both sides of single slanted grooves setup side-by-side. Compared with devices utilizing sheath flows, the focusing patterns generated in this report are unique without introducing additional flow control. The alignment of the concentrated particles is expected to facilitate the visualization of sizing and counting in cell-based devices. On the other hand, the size-dependent patterns of particle distributions have the potential for the application of size-based separation.
A Generic Bioheat Transfer Thermal Model for a Perfused Tissue
Authors: Shrivastava Devashish , Vaughan J. Thomas
Published: July 2009

A thermal model was needed to predict temperatures in a perfused tissue, which satisfied the following three criteria. One, the model satisfied conservation of energy. Two, the heat transfer rate from blood vessels to tissue was modeled without following a vessel path. Three, the model applied to any unheated and heated tissue. To meet these criteria, a generic bioheat transfer model (BHTM) was derived here by conserving thermal energy in a heated vascularized finite tissue and by making a few simplifying assumptions. Two linear coupled differential equations were obtained with the following two variables: tissue volume averaged temperature and blood volume averaged temperature. The generic model was compared with the widely employed empirical Pennes’ BHTM. The comparison showed that the Pennes’ perfusion term wCp(1−ε) should be interpreted as a local vasculature dependent heat transfer coefficient term. Suggestions are presented for further adaptations of the general BHTM for specific tissues using imaging techniques and numerical simulations.
Effect of Formalin Fixation on Thermal Conductivity of the Biological Tissue
Authors: Kharalkar Nachiket M. , Bauserman Steven C. , Valvano Jonathan W.
Published: July 2009

Effect of formalin fixation on thermal conductivity of the biological tissues is presented. A self-heated thermistor probe was used to measure the tissue thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of porcine aorta, fat, heart, and liver was measured before the formalin fixation and then 1 day, 4 days, and 11 days after formalin fixation. The results indicate that the formalin fixation does not cause a significant change in the tissue thermal conductivity of the tissues studied. In the clinical setting, tissues removed surgically are often fixed in formalin for subsequent pathological analysis. These results suggest that, in terms of thermal properties, it is equally appropriate to perform in vitro studies in either fresh tissue or formalin-fixed tissue.
Bubble Motion in a Blood Vessel: Shear Stress Induced Endothelial Cell Injury
Authors: Mukundakrishnan K. , Ayyaswamy P. S. , Eckmann D. M.
Published: July 2009

Mechanisms governing endothelial cell (EC) injury during arterial gas embolism have been investigated. Such mechanisms involve multiple scales. We have numerically investigated the macroscale flow dynamics due to the motion of a nearly occluding finite-sized air bubble in blood vessels of various sizes. Non-Newtonian behavior due to both the shear-thinning rheology of the blood and the Fahraeus–Lindqvist effect has been considered. The occluding bubble dynamics lends itself for an axisymmetric treatment. The numerical solutions have revealed several hydrodynamic features in the vicinity of the bubble. Large temporal and spatial shear stress gradients occur on the EC surface. The stress variations manifest in the form of a traveling wave. The gradients are accompanied by rapid sign changes. These features are ascribable to the development of a region of recirculation (vortex ring) in the proximity of the bubble. The shear stress gradients together with sign reversals may partially act as potential causes in the disruption of endothelial cell membrane integrity and functionality.
Freezing-Assisted Intracellular Drug Delivery to Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells
Authors: Teo Ka Yaw , Han Bumsoo
Published: July 2009

The efficacy of chemotherapy is significantly impaired by the multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells. The mechanism of MDR is associated with the overexpression of certain adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette protein transporters in plasma membranes, which actively pump out cytotoxic drugs from the intracellular space. In this study, we tested a hypothesis that freezing and thawing (F/T) may enhance intracellular drug delivery to MDR cancer cells via F/T-induced denaturation of MDR-associated proteins and/or membrane permeabilization. After a human MDR cancer cell line (NCI/ADR-RES) was exposed to several F/T conditions, its cellular drug uptake was quantified by a fluorescent calcein assay using calcein as a model drug. After F/T to −20°C, the intracellular uptake of calcein increased by 70.1% (n=5, P=0.0004). It further increased to 118% as NCI/ADR-RES cells were frozen/thawed to −40°C (n=3, P=0.009). These results support the hypothesis, and possible mechanisms of F/T-enhanced intracellular drug delivery were proposed and discussed.