bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apathy and anhedonia rating scales in Parkinson's disease: Critique and recommendations
Authors: Leentjens Albert F.G. , Dujardin Kathy , Marsh Laura , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Richard Irene H. , Starkstein Sergio E. , Weintraub Daniel , Sampaio Cristina , Poewe Werner , Rascol Oliver , Stebbins Glenn T. , Goetz Christopher G.
Published: August 2008

Apathy is a common condition in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is generally defined as a lack of motivation. It is associated with more severe cognitive dysfunction and a decrease in activities of daily living (ADL) performance. Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, can be a symptom of both depressive and apathetic syndromes. The Movement Disorder Society (MDS) commissioned a task force to assess the clinimetric properties of apathy and anhedonia scales in PD patients. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify scales that have either been validated or used in PD patients. Apathy scales identified for review include the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), the Apathy Scale (AS), the Apathy Inventory (AI), and the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS). In addition, item 4 (motivation/initiative) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and item 7 (apathy) of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) were included. Anhedonia scales identified for review were the Snaith‐Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and the Chapman scales for physical and social anhedonia. Only the AS is classified as “recommended” to assess apathy in PD. Although item 4 of the UPDRS also meets the criteria to be classified as recommended, it should be considered for screening only because of the obvious limitations of a single item construct. For the assessment of anhedonia, only the SHAPS meets the criteria of “Suggested.” Information on the validity of apathy and anhedonia scales is limited because of the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria for these conditions. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence and correlates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease without dementia
Authors: Kulisevsky Jaime , Pagonabarraga Javier , Pascual‐Sedano Berta , García‐Sánchez Carmen , Gironell Alexandre ,   Trapecio Group Study
Published: August 2008

A cross‐sectional study of the profile of psychiatric symptoms and their relationships to medications, executive performance, and excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) was conducted on 1351 consecutive Parkinson's disease patients without dementia (PD‐ND). Ratings were: neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI); hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS); executive performance (semantic, phonemic, and alternating verbal fluencies); and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Eighty‐seven percent of the subjects reported at least one psychiatric symptom. The most common were depression (70%), anxiety (69%), apathy (48%), and irritability (47%). Fifty percent of the patients had HADS‐depression scores ranging from possible (8–10; 22%) to probable (≥11; 28%) depression. Executive impairment was found in 41% and EDS in 26% of subjects. All considered variables were significantly more common with longer duration and more severe disease. Only depression appeared to be influenced by type of medication, being less prevalent among patients treated with DAs. Five NPI clusters were identified among patients scoring ≥1 on the NPI (87.3%): patients exhibiting predominantly apathy (12.7%), psychosis (3%), depression (13%), anxiety (15.6%), and “low‐total NPI” (43.2%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in nondemented PD patients suggesting that they are an integral part of PD from the beginning of the disease and appears more related to disease progression than to the type of antiparkinsonian medication. Apathy emerged as an independent construct in PD‐ND, indicating the need to address specific therapeutical approaches targeted toward this particular symptom. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
A comparative study of physical performance measures in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tanji Haruko , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Anderson Karen E. , Pretzer‐Aboff Ingrid , Reich Stephen G. , Fishman Paul S. , Weiner William J. , Shulman Lisa M.
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study is to compare physical performance measures for their ability to discriminate between levels of disability and disease severity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Disability in PD is commonly assessed by patient self‐report, which may be limited by patient insight. Methods: Seventy‐nine patients with PD were tested with seven performance measures: Physical Performance Test (PPT), modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Performance Test of Activities of Daily Living (PADL), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Functional Reach (FR). These measures were compared with patient‐reported disability on the Older Americans Resource and Services Disability subscale (OARS) and disease severity on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The performance measures were more sensitive to levels of disease severity than disability. Four measures discriminated across quartiles of disability (PPT, mPPT, BBS, TUG:P< 0.05), whereas all seven measures discriminated across quartiles of the Total UPDRS (PPT, mPPT, BBS, TUG, FR:P< 0.01; SPPB, PADL:P< 0.05). However, no measure consistently discriminated between subgroups with a range of early and advanced disease severity. The seven physical performance measures showed different profiles of strengths and weaknesses in assessing disability and disease severity. The results of this study will facilitate choosing performance measures for clinical care and clinical trials in PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Visual object recognition and attention in Parkinson's disease patients with visual hallucinations
Authors: Meppelink Anne Marthe , Koerts Janneke , Borg Maarten , Leenders Klaus Leonard , van Laar Teus
Published: August 2008

Visual hallucinations (VH) are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and are hypothesized to be due to impaired visual perception and attention deficits. We investigated whether PD patients with VH showed attention deficits, a more specific impairment of higher order visual perception, or both. Forty‐two volunteers participated in this study, including 14 PD patients with VH, 14 PD patients without VH and 14 healthy controls (HC), matched for age, gender, education level and for level of executive function. We created movies with images of animals, people, and objects dynamically appearing out of random noise. Time until recognition of the image was recorded. Sustained attention was tested using the Test of Attentional Performance. PD patients with VH recognized all images but were significantly slower in image recognition than both PD patients without VH and HC. PD patients with VH showed decreased sustained attention compared to PD patients without VH who again performed worse than HC. In conclusion, the recognition of objects is intact in PD patients with VH; however, these patients where significantly slower in image recognition than patients without VH and HC, which was not explained by executive dysfunction. Both image recognition speed and sustained attention decline in PD, in a more progressive way if VH start to occur. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Mathematical models of vaccine inventory design for a breakout of epidemic disease
Authors: Liu Yifan
Published: August 2008

We aim at building up the mathematical models, which could be used to derive the necessary stockpile levels for the vaccine, in order to meet the urgent need, due to a natural breakout of an epidemic disease, or due to a bio‐terror attack. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of the hydroxyl value of polyol in rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Lim Ho , Kim Sung Hee , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: August 2008

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) have been fabricated from crude MDI (CMDI) and polypropylene glycols (PPGs) of various hydroxyl values (OHVs) of 300–600 with an environmentally friendly blowing agent (HFC 365mfc). The closed cell content, compression strength, and dimensional stability of the foam increased with increase in the OHV due to the increased crosslink density, which was evidenced from the increased glass transition temperature (Tg). The cream time, gel time, tack‐free time, and density of the foam showed a minimum at 500OHV. The decrease and increase around the minimum were, respectively, interpreted in terms of increased mixture mobility and extensive allophanate crosslinks, which retard gelling as well as foaming reactions. The thermal conductivity also showed a small minimum at 500OHV. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cluster TOF‐SIMS imaging: A new light for in situ metabolomics?
Authors: Mas Sebastian , Perez Raul , Martinez‐Pinna Roxana , Egido Jesus , Vivanco Fernando
Published: August 2008

The advent of metal cluster as a primary ion source in the late 1980s, made it feasible to probe surfaces for complex organic structures due to a reduced in‐source fragmentation, and opened the door to the direct analysis of biological samples. Despite the mass range measurable by TOF‐secondary ion MS (SIMS) still being rather limited, the information obtained from cells and tissues comes together with the technical innovations introduced in the last decade. In this article, we give a brief overview of the technique itself and make some emphasis on the advances in the last three years in the analysis of biological surfaces, particularly those with direct implication in the biomedical field; reviewing what kind of information this instrumentation will add to current tool in pathology.
Time‐dependent evolution of tissue markers by MALDI‐MS imaging
Authors: Goodwin Richard J. A. , Dungworth Jessica C. , Cobb Stuart R. , Pitt Andrew R.
Published: August 2008

We have used MALDI‐MS imaging (MALDI‐MSI) to monitor the time dependent appearance and loss of signals when tissue slices are brought rapidly to room temperature for short to medium periods of time. Sections from mouse brain were cut in a cryostat microtome, placed on a MALDI target and allowed to warm to room temperature for 30 s to 3 h. Sections were then refrozen, fixed by ethanol treatment and analysed by MALDI‐MSI. The intensity of a range of markers were seen to vary across the time course, both increasing and decreasing, with the intensity of some markers changing significantly within 30 s and markers also showed tissue location specific evolution. The markers resulting from this autolysis were compared directly to those that evolved in a comparable 16 h on‐tissue trypsin digest, and the markers that evolved in the two studies were seen to be substantially different. These changes offer an important additional level of location‐dependent information for mapping changes and seeking disease‐dependent biomarkers in the tissue. They also indicate that considerable care is required to allow comparison of biomarkers between MALDI‐MSI experiments and also has implications for the standard practice of thaw‐mounting multiple tissue sections onto MALDI‐MS targets.
Phase separation in SiOx films annealed under enhanced hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Rudko G. Yu. , Maidanchuk I. Yu. , Indutnyy I. Z. , Misiuk A. , Gule E. G. , Shepeliavyi P. E.
Published: August 2008

The effect of enhanced hydrostatic pressure (HP, (10–12) × 108 Pa) on thermally stimulated phase decomposition of silicon suboxide layers processed at 450–1000 °C was investigated by infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements. HP stimulates decomposition of non‐stoichiometric SiOx most efficiently at about 450 °C. In spite of enhanced SiOx decomposition, visible photoluminescence appears in HP‐treated samples at higher annealing temperatures in comparison to those annealed under ambient pressure (AP, 105 Pa). Contrary to that, application of HP results in essential enhancement of near‐infrared emission at lower annealing temperatures as compared to processing under AP. This can be related to pressure‐stimulated crystallization of Si inclusions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The doping effects in δ‐Bi2O3 oxide ionic conductor
Authors: Zhong Guohua , Wang Jianglong , Zeng Zhi
Published: August 2008

The structural stability and oxygen ionic movement in doped δ‐phase Bi2O3 have been investigated in terms of density‐functional theory using the full‐potential linearized augmented plane‐wave method. With variations of impurity concentration in supercell Bi16–x Mx O24, total energies and densities of states were calculated for different impurities M. Doped with Ca, Sr, La, Gd or Sm, the ionic conductivity monotonically decreases, while an initial increase in ionic conductivity followed by a decrease is observed when doped with Y, Tb, Dy, Er or Tm. A maximum conductivity is obtained with enhancing impurity concentration x. Our results support the mechanism of effective oxygen vacancies. It is also found that the system is more stable when the distance between impurities is larger. Additionally, the more stabilized δ‐phase Bi2O3 is obtained by doping rare‐earth atoms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fragmentation pathways of heroin‐related alkaloids revealed by ion trap and quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Zhengxiang , Yan Bo , Liu Kelin , Bo Tao , Liao Yiping , Liu Huwei
Published: August 2008

The electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap and quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QqToF) mass spectra of heroin and seven related alkaloids, i.e., morphine, codeine, O‐6‐monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM), thebaine, acetylcodeine, papaverine and narcotine, have been extensively investigated in this work. The ESI mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways of protonated 6‐MAM, heroin, acetylcodeine, and thebaine were comprehensively elucidated for the first time with the aid of high‐resolution mass spectrometry. It was found that cleavage of the piperidine ring was the featured fragmentation route of six of the compounds, although not of papaverine and narcotine. In addition, a simple high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐based separation method gave baseline resolution of all eight components. This study could play an important role in the screening for these alkaloids in different matrices by HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoactivation of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Embedded in Silica Colloids
Authors: Dembski Sofia , Graf Christina , Krüger Tim , Gbureck Uwe , Ewald Andrea , Bock Anne , Rühl Eckart
Published: August 2008

A study of the influence of the local environment on the light‐induced luminescence enhancement of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QD) embedded in silica colloids that are dispersed in various solvents is presented. The photoluminescence of the embedded QD is enhanced up to a factor of ten upon photoactivation by ultraviolet or visible light. This enhancement is strongly dependent on the local environment. The thickness‐dependent permeability of the silica shell covering the QD controls the influence of the solvent on the QD. If foreign ions are present the activation state is stabilized after termination of the activation, whereas in their absence the process is partially reversible. A new qualitative model for the photoactivation of QD in various environments is developed. It comprises light‐induced passivation and subsequent oxidation processes. The embedded QD also retain their fluorescence quantum yield inside living cells. Moreover, they can be activated for many hours in living cells by laser radiation in the visible regime.
Functionalized‐Quantum‐Dot–Liposome Hybrids as Multimodal Nanoparticles for Cancer
Authors: Al‐Jamal Wafa' T. , Al‐Jamal Khuloud T. , Bomans Paul H. , Frederik Peter M. , Kostarelos Kostas
Published: August 2008

Functionalized‐quantum‐dot–liposome (f‐QD‐L) hybrid nanoparticles are engineered by encapsulating poly(ethylene glycol)‐coated QD in the internal aqueous phase of different lipid bilayer vesicles. f‐QD‐L maintain the QD fluorescence characteristics as confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cationic f‐QD‐L hybrids lead to dramatic improvements in cellular binding and internalization in tumor‐cell monolayer cultures. Deeper penetration into three‐dimensional multicellular spheroids is obtained for f‐QD‐L by modifying the lipid bilayer characteristics of the hybrid system. f‐QD‐L are injected intratumorally into solid tumor models leading to extensive fluorescent staining of tumor cells compared to injections of the f‐QD alone. f‐QD‐L hybrid nanoparticles constitute a versatile tool for very efficient labeling of cells ex vivo and in vivo, particularly when long‐term imaging and tracking of cells is sought. Moreover, f‐QD‐L offer many opportunities for the development of combinatory therapeutic and imaging (theranostic) modalities by incorporating both drug molecules and QD within the different compartments of a single vesicle.
Contractility‐Dependent Modulation of Cell Proliferation and Adhesion by Microscale Topographical Cues
Authors: Thakar Rahul G. , Chown Matthew G. , Patel Anuj , Peng Lily , Kumar Sanjay , Desai Tejal A.
Published: August 2008

Engineering of cellular assembly on biomaterial scaffolds by utilizing microscale topographical cues has emerged as a powerful strategy in cardiovascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the mechanisms through which these cues are processed to yield changes in canonical cell behaviors remain unclear. Previously, we showed that when mixtures of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts were cultured on polydimethylsiloxane surfaces studded with microscale pillars (micropegs), fibroblast proliferation was dramatically suppressed, which suggests that the micropegs could be exploited to minimize fibrosis and scar formation. Here, we demonstrate that this effect relies on altered adhesive and micromechanical interactions between individual cells and micropegs. First, we show that the proliferation of a cell physically attached to a micropeg is significantly lower than that of a cell cultured on a featureless region of the substrate. Micropeg adhesion is accompanied by a marked elongation in cell and nuclear shape. When fibroblast contractility is pharmacologically attenuated through low‐dose inhibition of either Rho‐associated kinase or myosin light chain kinase, the potency with which micropeg adhesion suppresses cell proliferation is significantly reduced. Together, our results support a model in which cell fate decisions may be directly manipulated within tissue engineering scaffolds by the inclusion of microtopographical structures that alter cellular mechanics.
Facile Fabrication of Uniform Polyaniline Nanotubes with Tubular Aluminosilicates as Templates
Authors: Zhang Long , Liu Peng
Published: August 2008

The uniform polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes, with inner diameter, outer diameter, and tubular thickness of 40, 60, and 10 nm, respectively, were prepared successfully by using natural tubular aluminosilicates as templates. The halloysite nanotubes were coated with PANI via the in situ chemical oxidation polymerization. Then the templates were etched with HCl/HF solution. The PANI nanotubes were characterized using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The conductivity of the PANI nanotubes was found to be 1.752 × 10−5(Ω·cm)−1.
Brief report: Fathers' and mothers' marital relationship predicts daughters' pubertal development two years later
Authors: Saxbe Darby E. , Repetti Rena L.
Published: August 2008

Parents of 50 4th grade girls reported on their marital relationships and then, two years later, rated their daughters' pubertal development. Fathers' ratings of marital dissatisfaction, mothers' ratings of less emotional support from husbands, and both parents' ratings of aversive marital conflict were correlated with more advanced pubertal development in daughters. Fathers' withdrawal behavior during marital conflict emerged as the strongest predictor. These results are consistent with evolutionary theories of pubertal development and suggest that parents' impressions of the marital relationship may be linked with girls' pubertal development, even in a middle‐class sample with both parents present in the household. They also suggest several heretofore underexplored foci for researchers in this area, such as parents' behaviors during marital conflict and fathers' experiences of the marital relationship.
The role of correction of anaemia in patients with congestive heart failure: A short review
Authors: Silverberg Donald S. , Wexlerb Dov , Iaina Adrian , Schwartz Doron
Published: August 2008

Many patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) are anaemic. This anaemia is associated with more severe CHF and a higher incidence of mortality, hospitalisation and morbidity. The only way to prove that the anaemia is causing this worsening of CHF is to correct it. We review here some of the published papers about correction of anaemia. Many studies show a positive effect of Erythropoietin (EPO) or its' derivatives when administered in combination with oral or IV iron, with improvements in left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic function, dilation and hypertrophy and renal function. In addition, a reduction in hospitalisations, diuretic dose, pulmonary artery pressure, plasma volume, heart rate, serum Brain Natriuretic Peptide levels, the inflammatory marker Interleukin 6, soluble Fas ligand—a mediator of apoptosis, and improvements in New York Heart Association class, exercise capacity, oxygen utilization, caloric intake, Quality of Life and the activity of Endothelial Progenitor Cells, have been observed. Iron deficiency may also play an important role in this anaemia, since improvements in CHF have also been reported following treatment with IV iron alone. However, until the ongoing large placebo‐controlled studies of the EPO derivative darbepoetin or IV iron are completed, we will not know whether these treatments really influence CHF outcome.
The management of cancer‐related breakthrough pain: Recommendations of a task group of the Science Committee of the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Davies Andrew N. , Dickman Andrew , Reid Colette , Stevens Anna‐Marie , Zeppetella Giovambattista
Published: August 2008

A task group of the Science Committee of the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) was convened to produce some up‐to‐date, evidence‐based, practical, clinical guidelines on the management of cancer‐related breakthrough pain in adults. On the basis of a review of the literature, the task group was unable to make recommendations about any individual interventions, but was able to make a series of 12 recommendations about certain generic strategies. However, most of the aforementioned recommendations are based on limited evidence (i.e., case series, expert opinion). The task group also proposed a definition of breakthrough pain, and some diagnostic criteria for breakthrough pain.
Mammalian BiP controls posttranslational ER translocation of the hepatitis B virus large envelope protein
Authors: Awe Karin , Lambert Carsten , Prange Reinhild
Published: August 2008

The hepatitis B virus L protein forms a dual topology in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via a process involving cotranslational membrane integration and subsequent posttranslational translocation of its preS subdomain. Here, we show that preS posttranslocation depends on the action of the ER chaperone BiP. To modulate the in vivo BiP activity, we designed an approach based on overexpressing its positive and negative regulators, ER‐localized DnaJ‐domain containing protein 4 (ERdj4) and BiP‐associated protein (BAP), respectively. The feasibility of this approach was confirmed by demonstrating that BAP, but not ERdj4, destabilizes the L/BiP complex. Overexpressing BAP or ERdj4 inhibits preS posttranslocation as does the reduction of ATP levels. These results hint to a new role of BiP in guiding posttranslational polypeptide import into the mammalian ER.
Cyclophilin‐40 has a cellular role in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling
Authors: Luu Tony C. , Bhattacharya Pompeya , Chan William K.
Published: August 2008

Cyclophilin‐40 (CyP40) promotes the formation of the gel shift complex that contains the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) and dioxin response element (DRE) using baculovirus expressed proteins. Here we reported that CyP40 plays a role in the AhR signaling. When the CyP40 content in MCF‐7 cells is reduced, up‐regulation of cyp1a1 and cyp1b1 by 3‐methylchloranthrene (3MC) is also reduced, suggesting that CyP40 is essential for maximal AhR function. The CyP40 region containing amino acids 186–215, but not the peptidyl‐prolyl cis–trans isomerase and tetratricopeptide repeat domains, is essential for forming the AhR/Arnt/DRE complex. CyP40 is found in the cell nucleus after 3MC treatment and appears to promote the DRE binding form of the AhR/Arnt heterodimer.
Arsenic trioxide stimulates SUMO‐2/3 modification leading to RNF4‐dependent proteolytic targeting of PML
Authors: Weisshaar Stefan R. , Keusekotten Kirstin , Krause Anke , Horst Christiane , Springer Helen M. , Göttsche Kerstin , Dohmen R. Jürgen , Praefcke Gerrit J.K.
Published: August 2008

We have recently reported that poly‐SUMO‐2/3 conjugates are subject to a ubiquitin‐dependent proteolytic control in human cells. Here we show that arsenic trioxide (ATO) increases SUMO‐2/3 modification of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) leading to its subsequent ubiquitylation in vivo. The SUMO‐binding ubiquitin ligase RNF4 mediates this modification and causes disruption of PML nuclear bodies upon treatment with ATO. Reconstitution of SUMO‐dependent ubiquitylation of PML by RNF4 in vitro and in a yeast trans vivo system revealed a preference of RNF4 for chain forming SUMOs. Polysumoylation of PML in response to ATO thus leads to its recognition and ubiquitylation by RNF4.
Selective repression of YKL‐40 by NF‐κB in glioma cell lines involves recruitment of histone deacetylase‐1 and ‐2
Authors: Bhat Krishna P. , Pelloski Christopher E. , Zhang Yujian , Kim Se Hoon , deLaCruz Clarissa , Rehli Michael , Aldape Kenneth D.
Published: August 2008

Here we show that in contrast to other cancer types, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α suppresses YKL‐40 expression in glioma cell lines in a nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) dependent manner. Even though TNF‐α causes recruitment of p65 and p50 subunits of NF‐κB to the YKL‐40 promoter in all cell types, recruitment of histone deacetylases (HDAC)‐1 and ‐2, and a consequent deacetylation of histone H3 at the YKL‐40 promoter occurs only in glioma cells. Importantly, using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in frozen glioblastoma multiforme tissues, we show that YKL‐40 levels decrease consistent with HDAC1 recruitment despite high levels of nuclear p‐p65. This study presents a paradigm for NF‐κB regulation of one of its targets in a strict cell type specific manner.
Wnt4 and Wnt5a promote adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Nishizuka Makoto , Koyanagi Akiko , Osada Shigehiro , Imagawa Masayoshi
Published: August 2008

The roles of the non‐canonical Wnt pathway during adipogenesis are not well known, though Wnt10b is known to function as a negative regulator for adipogenesis by activating the canonical Wnt pathway. We focused on the roles of Wnt4, Wnt5a and Wnt6, which are thought to be part of the non‐canonical Wnt pathway. The expression of these genes changed dramatically at the initial stage of adipogenesis. Furthermore, the inhibition of Wnt4 or Wnt5a expression prevented the accumulation of triacylglycerol and decreased the expression of adipogenesis‐related genes. Wnt4 and Wnt5a have crucial roles in adipogenesis as positive regulators.
Insulin glargine has a long duration of effect following administration either once daily or twice daily in divided doses in healthy cats
Authors: Marshall Rhett D. , Rand Jacquie S. , Morton John M.
Published: August 2008

The pharmacological effects of glargine administered once or twice daily were compared in six healthy cats. A two-way crossover study was performed with insulin and glucose concentrations measured following subcutaneous administration of glargine once daily (0.5 U/kg) or twice daily (0.25 U/kg, repeated after 12 h). Nadir glucose concentration and mean daily glucose concentration did not differ significantly following insulin administration once daily or twice daily in divided doses. Time to reach last glucose nadir differed, with longer intervals occurring following twice daily dosing. Blood glucose failed to return to baseline concentration by 24 h in three of six cats in each treatment group. Insulin variables were not significantly different following once or twice daily dosing. This study in healthy cats demonstrates that glargine has a long duration of action with carry-over effects to the next day likely, regardless of dosing regimen. A study in diabetic cats is required to determine the best dosing regimen.
The flat‐funding years and the National Cancer Institute: Consequences for cancer research
Authors: Hitt Emma
Published: August 2008

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the principal federal agency for cancer research and training in the US, has contended with a flat budget since 2004, which according to the institute's director is preventing the organisation from keeping pace with the increasing costs of biomedical research. Although the impact of these budget shortfalls are still being debated, Niederhuber believes these so‐called “flat‐funding years” may pave the way for worrying future trends, resulting in a paucity of novel cancer treatments, a lack of experienced researchers, and increasing mortality rates in years to come.
Balloon catheter sinusotomy: One‐year follow‐up—Outcomes and role in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Kuhn Frederick A. , Church Christopher A. , Goldberg Andrew N. , Levine Howard L. , Sillers Michael J. , Vaughan Winston C. , Weiss Raymond L.
Published: August 2008

Objective

The primary objective was to assess the long‐term effectiveness of balloon catheter sinusotomy.

Methods

Patients who had sinus ostia dilated with balloon catheters were prospectively evaluated 1 year after surgery with nasal endoscopy, a CT scan, and the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20).

Results

Sixty‐six patients (202 sinuses) were examined. One hundred seventy‐two of 202 sinus ostia (85%) were endoscopically patent, 1 percent (2/202) were nonpatent, and ostial patency could not be determined by endoscopy in 28 of 202 (14%). In these “indeterminate” sinuses, the CT scans were normal in 13, implying functional patency in 91.6 percent of sinuses (185/202). Sinus CT scan scores were 1.95 at 1 year versus 8.89 at baseline (P < 0.001), and 1‐year SNOT‐20 scores (0.91) were significantly improved from baseline (2.14, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Balloon catheter sinusotomy results were durable over the study period, showing long‐term effectiveness.
The balloon dilating catheter as an instrument in sinus surgery
Authors: Melroy Christopher T.
Published: August 2008

The use of the balloon dilating catheter has been a divisive topic in the rhinology community. This commentary addresses shortcomings that are commonly remarked upon by opponents of this technology and reviews the clinical history of the device as detailed in the literature. The reported orbital and cranial complications are described, and the major complication rate per sinus is calculated at 0.0035%. Most importantly, the balloon dilating catheter is stressed as being a unique instrument that can be used to enlarge a sinus ostium and dilate a sinus outflow tract in the most mucosal‐sparing method possible, regardless of whether it is used in conjunction with standard instrumentation or as a standalone device.
Long‐term outcome analysis of balloon catheter sinusotomy: Two‐year follow‐up
Authors: Weiss Raymond L. , Church Christopher A. , Kuhn Frederick A. , Levine Howard L. , Sillers Michael J. , Vaughan Winston C.
Published: August 2008

Objective

Assess two‐year postoperative clinical outcomes for patients receiving balloon catheter sinusotomy.

Methods

Patients who had sinus ostia dilated with balloon catheters were prospectively evaluated two years after surgery by Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20) and computed tomographic (CT) scan.

Results

Sixty‐five patients (195 ballooned sinuses) were followed for two years after surgery, including 34 “balloon‐only” patients and 31 “hybrid” patients. SNOT‐20 symptom scores were significantly improved from baseline (0.87 vs 2.17 baseline, P < 0.001) and stable compared to six months and one year; this was the case for both balloon‐only (1.09 vs 2.09, P < 0.001) and hybrid (0.64 vs 2.26, P < 0.001) patients. Lund‐MacKay CT scores were significantly improved from baseline (2.69 vs 9.66, P < 0.001) and stable compared to one year, confirmed for both balloon‐only (1.75 vs 5.67, P < 0.015) and hybrid (3.25 vs 12.05, P < 0.001) subsets of patients. A total of 85% of patients reported improvement of their sinus symptoms, with 15% same and 0% worsened. Revision treatment was required in seven of 195 sinuses (3.6%) in six of 65 patients (9.2%).

Conclusion

Patients who receive balloon catheter sinusotomy in endoscopic sinus surgery have significant improvement in symptoms two years after surgery. Radiographic evidence also confirms resolution of disease after two years. This demonstrates durability of clinical results previously reported at 24 weeks and one year after surgery.
Cobalamin deficiency results in an abnormal increase inl-methylmalonyl-co-enzyme-A mutase expression in rat liver and COS-7 cells
Authors: Nakao Motoyuki , Hironaka Shoko , Harada Naoki , Adachi Tetsuya , Bito Tomohiro , Yabuta Yukinori , Watanabe Fumio , Miura Takumi , Yamaji Ryoichi , Inui Hiroshi , Nakano Yoshihisa
Published: August 2008

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of cobalamin (Cbl) on the activity and expression ofl-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) in rat liver and cultured COS-7 cells. The MCM holoenzyme activity was less than 5 % of the total (holoenzyme+apoenzyme) activity in the liver although rats were fed a diet containing sufficient Cbl. When weanling rats were maintained on a Cbl-deficient diet, the holo-MCM activity became almost undetectable at the age of 10 weeks. In contrast, a marked increase in the total-MCM activity occurred under the Cbl-deficient conditions, and at the age of 20 weeks it was about 3-fold higher in the deficient rats than in the controls (108 (sd14·5)v.35 (sd8·5) nmol/mg protein per min (n5);P < 0·05). Western blot analysis confirmed that the MCM protein level increased significantly in the Cbl-deficient rats. However, the MCM mRNA level, determined by real-time PCR, was rather decreased. When COS-7 cells were cultured in a medium in which 10 % fetal bovine serum was the sole source of Cbl, holo-MCM activity was barely detected. The supplementation of Cbl resulted in a large increase in the holo-MCM activity in the cells, but the activity did not exceed 30 % of the total-MCM activity even in the presence of Cbl at 10 μmol/l. In contrast, the total-MCM activity was significantly decreased by the Cbl supplementation, indicating that Cbl deficiency results in an increase in the MCM protein level in COS-7 cells as well as in rat liver.
“Our Nation's Hope Is She”: The Cult of Jessie Fremont in the Republican Campaign Poetry of 1856
Authors: GRANT DAVID
Published: August 2008

Representations of Jessie Fremont, the wife of the Republican presidential candidate in 1856, had a prominent role in the campaign poetry of that year. The Jessie poems bind the period's cult of domesticity to the party's figurative anti-slavery system. According to these poems, Northerners intent on conciliating the Slave Power were spreading their own sterility, whereas men willing to make a home for Jessie in the White House were reproducing, through their own redemption, a future free West. The code of domesticity thus helped these poems to define collective political action as growing out of the strengths of free labor.
America's “White” Cultural and Sexual Dissensus: The Fictions of Edmund White
Authors: PURVIS TONY
Published: August 2008

This essay examines the representation of sexuality and identity in the fictions of American novelist Edmund White. Gay sexuality and identity politics are discussed in relation to “coming out,” the discourse of American identity, and whiteness. White's output is shaped and informed by the cultural, historical and political circumstances which have conditioned how gay male sexuality has been discursively shaped over the last forty years. Yet his work has been inflected by theorizations of sexuality which have called into question the very specificity of a homosexual and/or gay identity. Who is White's audience today, and who wants to read a “white” boy's story anyway?
THE VEIL OF IGNORANCE VIOLATES PRIORITY
Authors: Moreno-Ternero Juan D. , Roemer John E.
Published: August 2008

The veil of ignorance has been used often as a tool for recommending what justice requires with respect to the distribution of wealth. We complete Harsanyi's model of the veil of ignorance by appending information permitting objective comparisons among persons. In order to do so, we introduce the concept of objective empathy. We show that the veil-of-ignorance conception of John Harsanyi, so completed, and Ronald Dworkin's, when modelled formally, recommend wealth allocations in conflict with the prominently espoused view that priority should be given to the less able in wealth allocation. We finally argue that the veil of ignorance should be rejected as a tool for discovering what justice requires.
Adaptive and Integrated Water Management: Coping With Complexity and Uncertainty
Authors: Van Der Zaag Pieter
Published: August 2008

Managing water is like trying to hit a moving target, and adaptive management of water resources is increasingly recognized as an important research field. Many variables impinge on the sociobiophysical water system, and they trigger complex responses due to nonlinear relations and thresholds that may suddenly push the system into another state. Simple (mental or numerical) models are inadequate to predict system response. More refined approaches are required, and adaptive management is one such promising approach.
Crustal structure along the southern Central American volcanic front
Authors: MacKenzie Laura , Abers Geoffrey A. , Fischer Karen M. , Syracuse Ellen M. , Protti J. Marino , Gonzalez Victor , Strauch Wilfried
Published: August 2008

Subduction alters continents several ways, including accretion, magmatic addition, mantle wedge serpentinization, and crustal differentiation. These changes affect seismic velocities, so characterizing upper plate crust establishes a baseline for composition and continental growth. TeleseismicPandPParrivals from a temporary deployment of broadband seismometers in Central America have been used to estimate crustal thickness andVp/Vsratio from receiver functions and to image crust across the active arc. Crustal thickness ranges from 25 to 44 km with formal errors of 1.6–9.2 km. The thinnest crust (24.6 ± 3.5 km) lies directly beneath the Nicaraguan arc, whereas the thickest crust lies in the Nicaraguan back arc (43.5 ± 2.5 km) and beneath the Costa Rican arc (37.9 ± 5.2 km). Crustal structure andVp/Vsshow sharp transitions at terrane boundaries. The Moho exhibits strong velocity contrasts throughout the study area of ∼0.5–1.0 km/s, even beneath arc and fore arc, precluding extensive serpentinization or ponded melt below the Moho. Crust is thicker beneath the Costa Rican arc, consistent with 10–23 km3/km/Ma crustal growth. The crust is thinner by 11–18 km beneath the large depression in central Nicaragua, with the thinnest crust beneath the arc. There, the relationship between thin crust, arc location, and deeper seismic velocities suggests that upper plate structure plays a critical role in focusing magma to the surface.
Isotopic composition of single rain events in the central Mediterranean
Authors: Liotta Marcello , Bellissimo Serafino , Favara Rocco , Valenza Mariano
Published: August 2008

The ratios of stable isotopes of single rain events were investigated during the period October 2005 to September 2006 in the central Mediterranean. Clear seasonal trends were identified in both oxygen isotope ratios and the deuterium‐excess parameter, and these were ascribed to the dominant circulation systems during both cold and hot intraannual periods. Rain events were classified on the basis of the origin of rain‐bearing systems. Air masses coming from the south usually give rise to rainwater with a low deuterium excess. Air masses coming from the north and the northeast are often dry and cold, and are associated with high evaporation from the Mediterranean Sea that occurs under isotopic nonequilibrium conditions. Kinetic fractionation enhances lighter isotopomers in the vapor phase, increasing the deuterium excess. During cold periods large vapor fluxes from the Mediterranean Sea, as estimated by the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts), usually precede rain events with a high deuterium excess. However, the isotope signatures of the Mediterranean moisture contribution may be masked by the original isotope content of the circulating air masses and/or by secondary evaporation effects.
Human β‐defensin 3 binds to hemagglutinin B (rHagB), a non‐fimbrial adhesin from Porphyromonas gingivalis, and attenuates a pro‐inflammatory cytokine response
Authors: Pingel Lindsey C , Kohlgraf Karl G , Hansen Christopher J , Eastman Christopher G , Dietrich Deborah E , Burnell Kindra K , Srikantha Rupasree N , Xiao Xiangjun , Bélanger Myriam , Progulske‐Fox Ann , Cavanaugh Joseph E , Guthmiller Janet M , Johnson Georgia K , Joly Sophie , Kurago Zoya B , Dawson Deborah V , Brogden Kim A
Published: August 2008

Regulatory mechanisms in mucosal secretions and tissues recognize antigens and attenuate pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses. Here, we asked whether human β‐defensin 3 (HBD3) serves as an upstream suppressor of cytokine signaling that binds and attenuates pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses to recombinant hemagglutinin B (rHagB), a non‐fimbrial adhesin from Porphyromonas gingivalis strain 381. We found that HBD3 binds to immobilized rHagB and produces a significantly higher resonance unit signal in surface plasmon resonance spectroscopic analysis, than HBD2 and HBD1 that are used as control defensins. Furthermore, we found that HBD3 significantly attenuates (P<0.05) the interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and tumor‐necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) responses induced by rHagB in human myeloid dendritic cell culture supernatants and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK 1/2) response in human myeloid dendritic cell lysates. Thus, HBD3 binds rHagB and this interaction may be an important initial step to attenuate a pro‐inflammatory cytokine response and an ERK 1/2 response.
Variation in the Bitter‐taste Receptor Gene TAS2R38, and Adiposity in a Genetically Isolated Population in Southern Italy
Authors: Tepper Beverly J. , Koelliker Yvonne , Zhao Liqiang , Ullrich Natalia V. , Lanzara Carmela , D'Adamo Pio , Ferrara Antonella , Ulivi Sheila , Esposito Laura , Gasparini Paolo
Published: August 2008

Objective: Variation in the bitter‐taste receptor gene, TAS2R38 confers the ability to taste 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP). The objective of this study was to relate TAS2R38 haplotypes and PROP‐tasting phenotypes to adiposity in a genetically isolated population. We hypothesized that the nontaster phenotype would be associated with higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) in females, and that dietary restraint would mediate this relationship.

Methods and Procedures: Participants were 540 healthy inhabitants of the genetically isolated village of Carlantino in southern Italy who were 15–89 years of age at the time of the study. Haplotype analyses were performed and PROP tasting was assessed using a filter paper method. Height, weight, and WC were measured and restrained eating was assessed using a brief questionnaire.

Results: Nontaster females had higher BMI and WC than females who were phenotypic tasters, and this relationship was specific to females with low dietary restraint. Regression analysis showed that BMI declined by 1.7 units across taster groups in females when the model included the PROP by restraint interaction. PROP phenotype was not significantly associated with WC in the regression models. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 were not associated with BMI or WC in females. Neither TAS2R38 haplotype nor PROP phenotype was strongly related to BMI or WC in males.

Discussion: These data support previous findings of a relation between the nontaster phenotype and higher BMI in females that is modified by dietary restraint. Assessment of PROP phenotypes might provide unique information about adiposity that is not captured by haplotype analysis alone.
Successful Weight‐loss Maintenance in Relation to Method of Weight Loss
Authors: Pinto Angela Marinilli , Gorin Amy A. , Raynor Hollie A. , Tate Deborah F. , Fava Joseph L. , Wing Rena R.
Published: August 2008

This study examined the relation between method of weight loss and long‐term maintenance among successful weight losers enrolled in a weight‐loss maintenance trial. Participants were 186 adults (mean age = 51.6 ± 10.7 years, mean BMI = 28.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2) enrolled in the STOP Regain trial who had lost at least 10% of their body weight in the past 2 years using a very low‐calorie diet (VLCD; n = 24), commercial program (n = 95), or self‐guided approach (n = 67). Participants were randomized to a weight‐maintenance intervention delivered face to face or over the internet or to a newsletter control condition, and followed for 18 months. At study entry, individuals who had used a VLCD had achieved a weight loss of 24% of their maximum weight within the past 2 years compared to 17% achieved by those who had used a commercial program or self‐guided approach (P < 0.001). However, individuals who had used a VLCD regained significantly more weight than the other two groups and by 6 months, there were no significant differences in overall percent weight loss (i.e., initial weight loss and maintenance) between VLCD, commercial, and self‐guided methods. In contrast, individuals who had used a self‐guided approach maintained their weight losses from baseline through 18 months. The large initial weight losses achieved by individuals who had used a VLCD were not maintained over time, whereas individuals who had used a self‐guided approach maintained their initial weight losses with the greatest success. The generalizability of these findings is limited by the sizeable weight losses achieved by study participants.