bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trip characteristics of vehicle crashes involving child passengers
Authors: Chen I G , Durbin D R , Elliott M R , Kallan M J , Winston F K
Published: August 2005

Objectives:To describe the trip characteristics of vehicle crashes involving children, and to examine the effect of situational factors on front row seating or inappropriate restraint for young children.

Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted on children <16 years in crashes of insured vehicles in 15 US states, with data collected using insurance claims records and a telephone interview. A descriptive analysis of the characteristics of vehicle crashes involving children was performed. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to identify situational factors associated with inappropriate restraint or front row seating.

Results:These data suggest that children were traveling in vehicles involved in crashes that occurred under usual driving circumstances—that is, closer to home (60%), on a local road (56%), during normal daytime hours (71%), within areas with relatively lower posted speed limits (76%). Compared with children involved in morning crashes, those in daytime crashes (RR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.49) or in night-time crashes (RR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.67) were more likely to be sitting in the front seat. Children involved in night-time crashes were more likely to be inappropriately restrained (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22) than those in daytime crashes. Children riding with two or more additional passengers were more likely to be inappropriately restrained (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.27) than those with no other passengers.

Conclusions:Educational initiatives should aim to increase the perception that parents have about the potential crash risk of everyday trips. Some situational characteristics of trips were associated with inappropriate restraint and front row seating behaviors for young children.
United States pedestrian fatality rates by vehicle type
Authors: Paulozzi L J
Published: August 2005

Objective:To describe the relation between motor vehicle type and the risk of fatally injuring a pedestrian.

Design:The risk of killing a pedestrian was measured as the number of pedestrian fatalities per billion miles of vehicle travel by each vehicle type in the US in 2002 as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

Interventions:None.

Main outcome measures:Rates for each vehicle type by sex, age, and rural/urban roadway type and rate comparisons using relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:Passenger cars and light trucks (vans, pickups, and sport utility vehicles) accounted for 46.1% and 39.1%, respectively, of the 4875 deaths, with the remainder split among motorcycles, buses, and heavy trucks. Compared with cars, the RR of killing a pedestrian per vehicle mile was 7.97 (95% CI 6.33 to 10.04) for buses; 1.93 (95% CI 1.30 to 2.86) for motorcycles; 1.45 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.55) for light trucks, and 0.96 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.18) for heavy trucks. Compared with cars, buses were 11.85 times (95% CI 6.07 to 23.12) and motorcycles were 3.77 times (95% CI 1.40 to 10.20) more likely per mile to kill children 0–14 years old. Buses were 16.70 times (95% CI 7.30 to 38.19) more likely to kill adults age 85 or older than were cars. The risk of killing a pedestrian per vehicle mile traveled in an urban area was 1.57 times (95% CI 1.47 to 1.67) the risk in a rural area.

Conclusions:Outcomes reflect the ways in which a vehicle’s characteristics (mass, front end design, and visibility) and its degree of interaction with pedestrians affect its risk per mile. Modifications in vehicle design might reduce pedestrian injury. The greatest impact on overall US pedestrian mortality will result from reducing the risk from the light truck category.
Commercialization and Implementation of Biocontrol
Authors: Fravel D.R.
Published: August 2005

Although the number of biocontrol products is increasing, these products still represent only about 1% of agricultural chemical sales. Yet these are important contributions because biocontrol agents offer disease management alternatives with different mechanisms of action than chemical pesticides. Trends in research include the increased use of biorational screening processes to identify microorganisms with potential for biocontrol, increased testing under semicommercial and commercial production conditions, increased emphasis on combining biocontrol strains with each other and with other control methods, integrating biocontrol into an overall system.
Plant Disease: A Threat to Global Food Security
Authors: Strange Richard N. , Scott Peter R.
Published: August 2005

A vast number of plant pathogens from viroids of a few hundred nucleotides to higher plants cause diseases in our crops. Their effects range from mild symptoms to catastrophes in which large areas planted to food crops are destroyed. Catastrophic plant disease exacerbates the current deficit of food supply in which at least 800 million people are inadequately fed. Plant pathogens are difficult to control because their populations are variable in time, space, and genotype. Most insidiously, they evolve, often overcoming the resistance that may have been the hard-won achievement of the plant breeder. In order to combat the losses they cause, it is necessary to define the problem and seek remedies. At the biological level, the requirements are for the speedy and accurate identification of the causal organism, accurate estimates of the severity of disease and its effect on yield, and identification of its virulence mechanisms. Disease may then be minimized by the reduction of the pathogen's inoculum, inhibition of its virulence mechanisms, and promotion of genetic diversity in the crop. Conventional plant breeding for resistance has an important role to play that can now be facilitated by marker-assisted selection. There is also a role for transgenic modification with genes that confer resistance. At the political level, there is a need to acknowledge that plant diseases threaten our food supplies and to devote adequate resources to their control.
Moderate-to-severe ischemic conditions increase activity and phosphorylation of the cerebral microvascular endothelial cell Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter
Authors: Foroutan Shahin , Brillault Julien , Forbush Biff , O’Donnell Martha E.
Published: August 2005

Brain edema that forms during the early stages of stroke involves increased transport of Na+ and Cl− across an intact blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our previous studies have shown that a luminal BBB Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter is stimulated by conditions present during ischemia and that inhibition of the cotransporter by intravenous bumetanide greatly reduces edema formation in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke. The present study focused on investigating the effects of hypoxia, which develops rapidly in the brain during ischemia, on the activity and expression of the BBB Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter, as well as on Na+-K+-ATPase activity, cell ATP content, and intracellular volume. Cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) were assessed for Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter and Na+-K+-ATPase activities as bumetanide-sensitive and ouabain-sensitive 86Rb influxes, respectively. ATP content was assessed by luciferase assay and intracellular volume by [3H]-3-O-methyl-d-glucose and [14C]-sucrose equilibration. We found that 30-min exposure of CMECs to hypoxia ranging from 7.5% to 0.5% O2 (vs. 19% normoxic O2) significantly increased cotransporter activity as did 7.5% or 2% O2 for up to 2 h. This was not associated with reduction in Na+-K+-ATPase activity or ATP content. CMEC intracellular volume increased only after 4 to 5 h of hypoxia. Furthermore, glucose and pyruvate deprivation increased cotransporter activity under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Finally, we found that hypoxia increased phosphorylation but not abundance of the cotransporter protein. These findings support the hypothesis that hypoxia stimulation of the BBB Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter contributes to ischemia-induced brain edema formation.
A role for proteinase-activated receptor 2 and PKC-ε in thrombin-mediated induction of decay-accelerating factor on human endothelial cells
Authors: Lidington Elaine A. , Steinberg Rivka , Kinderlerer Anne R. , Landis R. Clive , Ohba Motoi , Samarel Allen , Haskard Dorian O. , Mason Justin C.
Published: August 2005

Thrombin, an important mediator of thrombosis and inflammation, may also enhance vascular cytoprotection. Thus thrombin induces expression of the complement-inhibitory protein decay-accelerating factor (DAF) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), thus increasing protection against complement-mediated injury. Using PKC isozyme-specific peptide antagonists and adenoviral constructs, we have shown in the present study that PKC-ε is the primary isozyme involved in DAF induction by thrombin. Experiments with proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and PAR2 activating peptides (APs) showed that DAF expression induced by PAR1-AP was PKC-α-dependent; in contrast, PAR2-AP induction of DAF required activation of PKC-ε. PAR1-AP and PAR2-AP in combination exerted an additive effect on DAF protein expression, which was equivalent to that observed with thrombin alone. These data implied a specific role for PAR2 in DAF induction, which was supported by the observation that upregulation of endothelial cell (EC) PAR2-enhanced DAF induction by thrombin. ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPK were also involved in thrombin-induced DAF upregulation, with evidence of interdependence between ERK1/2 and JNK. A role for transactivation of PAR2 by PAR1 was suggested by partial inhibition of thrombin-induced DAF expression by the PAR1 signaling antagonists BMS-200261 and SCH79797 , whereas inhibition of thrombin-induced cleavage of PAR1 by specific MAbs or hirudin completely abrogated the response. Together, these data imply that the predominant pathway for thrombin-induced DAF expression involves transactivation of PAR2 by PAR1 and signaling via PKC-ε/MAPK. This may represent an important, novel pathway for endothelial cytoprotection during inflammation and angiogenesis and suggests that PAR2 may play a central role in some thrombin-induced responses.
Laminar Variation in Threshold for Detection of Electrical Excitation of Striate Cortex by Macaques
Authors: DeYoe Edgar A. , Lewine Jeffrey D. , Doty Robert W.
Published: August 2005

Macaques were trained to signal their detection of electrical stimulation applied by a movable microelectrode to perifoveal striate cortex. Trains of ≤100 cathodal, 0.2-ms, constant current pulses were delivered at 50 or 100 Hz. The minimum current that could be reliably detected was measured at successive depths along radial electrode penetrations through the cortex. The lowest detection thresholds were routinely encountered when the stimulation was applied to layer 3, particularly just at the juncture between layers 3 and 4A. On the average, there was a twofold variation in threshold along the penetrations, with the highest intracortical thresholds being in layers 4C and 6. Variations as high as 20-fold were obtained in some individual penetrations, whereas relatively little change was observed in others. The minimum detectable current was 1 μA at a site in layer 3, i.e., 10–100 times lower than that for surface stimulation. Because macaques, as do human subjects, find electrical stimulation of striate cortex to be highly similar at all loci (a phosphene in the human case), it is puzzling as to how such uniformity of effect evolves from the exceedingly intricate circuitry available to the effective stimuli. It is hypothesized that the stimulus captures the most excitable elements, which then suppress other functional moieties, producing only the luminance of the phosphene. Lowest thresholds presumably are encountered when the electrode lies among these excitable elements that can, with higher currents, be stimulated directly from some distance or indirectly by the horizontal bands of myelinated axons, the stria of Baillarger.
Insights into the Genome of the Enteric Bacterium Escherichia blattae: Cobalamin (B12) Biosynthesis, B12-Dependent Reactions, and Inactivation of the Gene Region Encoding B12-Dependent Glycerol Dehydratase by a New Mu-Like Prophage
Authors: Andres Sönke , Wiezer Arnim , Bendfeldt Hanna , Waschkowitz Tanja , Toeche-Mittler Caroline , Daniel Rolf
Published: August 2005

The enteric bacterium Escherichia blattae has been analyzed for the presence of cobalamin (B12) biosynthesis and B12-dependent pathways. Biochemical studies revealed that E. blattae synthesizes B12 de novo aerobically and anaerobically. Genes exhibiting high similarity to all genes of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, which are involved in the oxygen-independent route of B12 biosynthesis, were present in the genome of E. blattae DSM 4481. The dha regulon encodes the key enzymes for the anaerobic conversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol, including coenzyme B12-dependent glycerol dehydratase. E. blattae DSM 4481 lacked glycerol dehydratase activity and showed no anaerobic growth with glycerol, but the genome of E. blattae DSM 4481 contained a dha regulon. The E. blattaedha regulon is unusual, since it harbors genes for two types of dihydroxyacetone kinases. The major difference to dha regulons of other enteric bacteria is the inactivation of the dehydratase-encoding gene region by insertion of a 33,339-bp prophage (MuEb). Sequence analysis revealed that MuEb belongs to the Mu family of bacteriophages. The E. blattae strains ATCC 33429 and ATCC 33430 did not contain MuEb. Accordingly, both strains harbored an intact dehydratase-encoding gene region and fermented glycerol. The properties of the glycerol dehydratases and the correlating genes (dhaBCE) of both strains were similar to other B12-dependent glycerol and diol dehydratases, but both dehydratases exhibited the highest affinity for glycerol of all B12-dependent dehydratases characterized so far. In addition to the non-functional genes encoding B12-dependent glycerol dehydratase, the genome of E. blattae DSM 4481 contained the genes for only one other B12-dependent enzyme, the methylcobalamin-dependent methionine synthase.
Effect of σS on σE-Directed Cell Lysis in Escherichia coli Early Stationary Phase
Authors: Kabir Shahinur , Yamashita Daisuke , Noor Rashed , Yamada Mamoru
Published: August 2005

The σE regulon has been shown to perform a novel function that causes dead-cell lysis specific to the early stationary phase [Nitta et al., 2000] in addition to its well-known role in the extracytoplasmic stress response in Escherichia coli. Here, the effect of σS as a general stress-responsive sigma factor on σE-directed cell lysis was investigated. The lysis phenomena were observed in both rpoS mutant and parental strains constitutively expressing active σE, but the former lysis occurred at a relatively early stage compared to the latter. Based on these results and experiments with hydrogen peroxide, we propose that some stresses generate living but non-culturable cells, which are subject to σE-directed cell lysis.
Repair of Non-Circumferential Cervical Trachea Defects by Three Different Latissimus Dorsi Flaps
Authors: Christoforidis D. , Pezzetta E. , Simon-Valla Sophie , Lang F. , Gebhardt Sandra , Pasche P. , Ris H.-B.
Published: August 2005

Background: Large intrathoracic airway defects may be closed using a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, with rewarding results. This study addresses the question of whether this holds true for extrathoracic non-circumferential tracheal defects. Methods: A cervical segment of the trachea of 4 × 1 cm was resected in 9 white male pigs. The defect was stented with a silicone stent for 3 months and closed either by an LD flap alone (group a, n = 3), an LD flap with an attached rib segment covered by pleura (group b, n = 3), or an LD flap reinforced by a perforated polylactide (MacroPore®) plate (group c, n = 3). The trachea was assessed by rigid endoscopy at 3 and 4 months and histologically at 4 months postoperatively. Results: The degree of stenosis at the level of the reconstruction at 4 months was 25, 50 and 75% in group a, 15, 50 and 60% in group b, and 20, 95 and 95% in group c, respectively. The percentage of the defect covered by columnar epithelium was 100% in all animals of group a, 60, 100 and 100% in group b, and 10, 0 and 0% in group c. Resorption of the rib was seen in all animals of group b and obstructive inflammatory polyps were found in 2 animals of group c. Conclusion: Pedicled LD flaps provided less satisfactory results for closure of large non-circumferential extrathoracic airway defects than observed after intrathoracic reconstruction. A pedicled rib segment added to the LD flap did not improve the results obtained from LD flap repair alone, and an embedded MacroPore® prosthesis may result in severe airway stenosis due to plate migration and intense inflammatory reaction protruding into the tracheal lumen.
Kangaroo vs. Porcine Aortic Valves: Calcification Potential after Glutaraldehyde Fixation
Authors: Narine K. , Chéry Cyrille C. , Goetghebeur Els , Forsyth R. , Claeys E. , Cornelissen Maria , Moens L. , van Nooten G.
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the calcification potential of kangaroo and porcine aortic valves after glutaraldehyde fixation at both low (0.6%) and high (2.0%) concentrations of glutaraldehyde in the rat subcutaneous model. To our knowledge this is the first report comparing the time-related, progressive calcification of these two species in the rat subcutaneous model. Twenty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were each implanted with two aortic valve leaflets (porcine and kangaroo) after fixation in 0.6% glutaraldehyde and two aortic valve leaflets (porcine and kangaroo) after fixation in 2% glutaraldehyde respectively. Animals were sacrificed after 24 h and thereafter weekly for up to 10 weeks after implantation. Calcium content was determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and confirmed histologically. Mean calcium content per milligram of tissue (dry weight) treated with 0.6 and 2% glutaraldehyde was 116.2 and 110.4 µg/mg tissue for kangaroo and 95.0 and 106.8 µg/mg tissue for porcine valves. Calcium content increased significantly over time (8.8 µg/mg tissue per week) and was not significantly different between groups. Regression analysis of calcification over time showed no significant difference in calcification of valves treated with 0.6 or 2% glutaraldehyde within and between the two species. Using the subcutaneous model, we did not detect a difference in calcification potential between kangaroo and porcine aortic valves treated with either high or low concentrations of glutaraldehyde.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Ferumoxytol: A New Iron Replacement Therapy in Normal Subjects and Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Landry Robert , Jacobs Paula M. , Davis Robert , Shenouda Magdy , Bolton W. Kline
Published: August 2005

Background: Currently available intravenous iron preparations are not ideal, either because of safety concerns or dose limitations. We investigated the safety and pharmacokinetics of ferumoxytol, a new iron replacement therapy, in normal subjects and hemodialysis patients. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, ascending-dose study in normal volunteers (n = 41), 6 subjects received placebo, and 8 subjects each received ferumoxytol, at 1, 2 or 4 mg iron/kg, injected at 60 mg iron/min. The remaining subjects received 4 mg iron/kg at injection rates of 90 (n = 3), 180 (n = 3) or 1,800 mg iron/min (n = 5). In the second, open-label, ascending-dose study, 20 hemodialysis patients received 125 or 250 mg of iron over 5 min. Results: In normal subjects, the blood half-life of ferumoxytol increased with increasing dose from 9.3 to 14.5 h (p < 0.05) but not with increasing rate of injection. The drug half-life in hemodialysis patients was similar to normal subjects. Ferumoxytol was not removed with hemodialysis. Serum iron (p < 0.001), transferrin saturation (p < 0.001) and ferritin increased in both populations. No serious adverse events were attributable to ferumoxytol. Conclusion: Ferumoxytol was well tolerated in this study. Its pharmacokinetic properties and simplicity of administration suggest that it will be an attractive form of iron replacement therapy.
Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism on Aortic Elastic Parameters in Athletes
Authors: Tanrıverdi Halil , Evrengul Harun , Kaftan Asuman , Dursunoglu Dursun , Turgut Sebahat , Akda Beyza , Kılıç Mustafa
Published: August 2005

Background: Physiologic adaptations in an athlete’s heart include increased left and right ventricular chamber size, left ventricular wall thickness and mass. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in angiotensin II production causing cardiac hypertrophy. The cloning of the ACE gene has made it possible to identifya deletion (D)-insertion (I) polymorphism that appears to affect the level of serum ACE activity. Therefore, the ACE genes, which have been shown to be polymorphic, could be candidate genes for large-artery stiffness. Methods: 56 endurance athletes and 46 sedentary subjects were included in this study, and they underwent both complete echocardiographic examination, and analysis of ACE insertion (I) and deletion (D) allele frequencies in peripheral blood. The aortic diameter was recorded by M-mode echocardiography at a level 3 cm above the aortic valve. Aortic systolic diameter was measured at the time of full opening of the aortic valve, and diastolic diameter was measured at the peak of QRS. Aortic strain, stiffness index and distensibility were calculated. Results: Left ventricular mass index and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly higher in athletes than controls (p < 0.001). The aortic distensibility index and strain were significantly greater in athletes compared with controls (respectively: 5.8 ± 2.7 vs. 4.7 ± 1.8 cm–2 dyn–1 10–6, p = 0.017; 12.3 ± 2.4 vs. 9.3 ± 3.1, p < 0.001). The aortic stiffness index was significantly lower in athletes than in controls (4.8 ± 1.9 vs. 6.1 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). The aortic distensibility index and strain were statistically different in ACE DD vs. DI groups and DD vs. II groups of athletes. The aortic stiffness index was statistically different in ACE DD vs. II groups of athletes. Aortic parameters were similar according to ACE genotypes in controls. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that aortic distensibility was increased by prolonged training in endurance athletes, particularly in those with the ACE II genotype. This effect represents an extracardiac adaptation to chronic prolonged training in athletes.
Prospective Randomized Study Comparing MEMID with a Chop-Like Regimen in Elderly Patients with Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Chamorey E. , Gressin R. , Peyrade F. , Rossi J.F. , Lepeu G. , Foussard C. , Harrousseau J.L. , Fabbro M. , Richard B. , Delwail V. , Maisonneuve H. , Vilque J.P. , Thyss A.
Published: August 2005

Objective: This multicenter phase III study compared the MEMID regimen (mitoxantrone, VP16, methylglyoxal, ifosfamide and dexamethasone) with CEOP, a CHOP-like regimen (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine and prednisone), in elderly patients (≧65 years) with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Methods: One hundred and forty-nine patients were eligible, 72 in the MEMID arm and 77 in the CEOP arm. The primary endpoint was to compare overall survival (OS) between groups, and secondary endpoints were event-free survival (EFS), response rate and toxicity. Results: Neutropenia (p < 10–5), anemia (p < 10–5) and thrombocytopenia (p = 0.0006) were significantly more frequent in patients who received MEMID. We observed an objective response rate of 55.5% in the MEMID arm and 64.9% in the CEOP arm (p = 0.24). The median OS and EFS were 15.4 and 8.5 months in the MEMID arm, and 20.3 and 10.5 months in the CEOP arm (p = 0.59 and 0.47), respectively. The median EFS was 15.4 months in the MEMID arm and 20.3 months in the CEOP arm (p = 0.59). Conclusion: The increased toxicity without survival benefit confirms the superiority of CHOP and CHOP-like regimens for elderly patient with aggressive NHL.
Hearing Benefit of Patients after Vibrant Soundbridge Implantation
Authors: Todt Ingo , Seidl Rainer O. , Ernst Arne
Published: August 2005

The present paper compares the audiometric results of different digital Vibrant Soundbridge audio processors (D and Signia) of patients with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss. In a retrospective study, the audiometric results were evaluated and compared in terms of functional gain of warble tone measurements and speech audiometric data. 23 patients implanted between 1998 and 2003 with the Vibrant Soundbridge were included. At the time of implantation, they fulfilled the indication criteria for an implantation (7 patients with a D type, 16 with a Signia type while 3 patients changed from the D to the Signia type). The mean functional gain was increased from 22.8 dB (±6.5 dB SD) in the D type to 29.8 dB (±2.9) in the Signia type group. The speech-in-noise understanding was better in the Signia compared to the D type (59.3 ± 11.5 dB and 65.7 ± 10.1 dB, respectively). The latest upgrade of the external processor from the 3-channel, digital D type to the 8-channel, digital Signia type led in our data to an auditory benefit in all patients.
Research Productivity in Counseling Psychology
Authors: Buboltz Walter C. , Jenkins Steve M. , Thomas Adrian , Lindley Lori D. , Schwartz Jonathan P. , Loveland James M.
Published: August 2005

This article is an update and review of institutional research productivity in counseling psychology. Institutional research productivity is assessed by totaling credits for articles published from 1993 to 2002 in the following journals: Journal of Counseling Psychology, The Counseling Psychologist, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Journal of Counseling and Development, Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development , and Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology . Results show that the rankings of many programs have remained fairly stable over the years, while others have substantially changed. Additionally, two factors were found to represent the research productivity of institutions in the field. These results are discussed in terms of the identity of counseling psychology and research productivity.
A New Front in the Culture War?
Authors: Knuckey Jonathan
Published: August 2005

This article examines the effect of cultural values on voting behavior in elections belowthe presidential level. Using data from the American National Election Studies, the article examines the effect of moral traditionalism on individual-level vote choice in U.S. House elections. Findings indicate that a newfront has been opened in the culturewar, with moral traditionalism exerting an indirect effect on vote choice through party identification and, most importantly, a direct effect since the mid-to-late 1990s, one thatwas hitherto not evident. This suggests that a greater emphasis placed on cultural issues by candidates and other political elites, or possibly changes in the images held by the electorate of both parties, has resulted in a moral traditionalism cleavage being driven down to voting behavior at the congressional level. Overall, these findings suggest a widening and deepening of a cultural values-based realignment of the American electorate.
Chylous ascites as the main manifestation of left ventricular dysfunction: a case report
Authors: Ridruejo Ezequiel , Mandó Oscar G
Published: August 2005

Background

Ascites is one of the most common complications of liver diseases, even though in 15% of the cases it is related to extrahepatic diseases; 3% are of cardiac nature and they appear associated with signs and symptoms of heart failure.

Case presentation

A 70 year old man was admitted with more than one year history of abdominal distension and a weight gain of 10 kilograms. He is asymptomatic and walks 2000–3000 meters a day without angor or dyspnea. The physical examination shows moderate abdominal distension, with no hepatosplenomegaly or edema, and there is mild jugular vein distension. The studies performed (complete laboratory work up, paracentesis, liver biopsy, echocardiogram, intrahepatic pressure measurements, etc.) showed a chylous ascites related to portal hypertension, and left ventricular dysfunction was the only probable cause found.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic heart dysfunction can mimic liver disease and should be kept in mind as a cause of chylous ascites.
Association study of functional genetic variants of innate immunity related genes in celiac disease
Authors: Rueda B , Zhernakova A , López-Nevot MA , Martín J , Koeleman BPC
Published: August 2005

Background

Recent evidence suggest that the innate immune system is implicated in the early events of celiac disease (CD) pathogenesis. In this work for the first time we have assessed the relevance of different proinflammatory mediators typically related to innate immunity in CD predisposition.

Methods

We performed a familial study in which 105 celiac families characterized by the presence of an affected child with CD were genotyped for functional polymorphisms located at regulatory regions ofIL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RN, IL-18, RANTESandMCP-1genes. Familial data was analysed with a transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) that revealed no statistically significant differences in the transmission pattern of the different genetic markers considered.

Results

The TDT analysis forIL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RN, IL-18, andMCP-1genes genetic variants did not reveal biased transmission to the affected offspring. Only a borderline association ofRANTESpromoter genetic variants with CD predisposition was observed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the analysed polymorphisms ofIL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RN, IL-18, RANTESandMCP-1genes do not seem to play a major role in CD genetic predisposition in our population.
Invasive breast cancer following bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy in a BRCA2 mutation carrier: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kasprzak Lidia , Mesurolle Benoit , Tremblay Francine , Galvez Maria , Halwani Fawaz , Foulkes William D
Published: August 2005

Background

Primary prevention of breast cancer through prophylactic mastectomy can reduce the risk of malignancy in high-risk individuals. No type of mastectomy completely removes all breast tissue, but a subcutaneous mastectomy leaves more tissue in situ than does a simple mastectomy.

Case presentation

We report a case of invasive breast cancer in a BRCA2-positive woman 33 years after bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy. To our knowledge, only one case of primary breast cancer after prophylactic mastectomy in a BRCA1-positive patient has been reported in the literature and none in BRCA2-positive individuals.

Conclusion

Careful documentation and long follow-up is essential to fully assess the benefits and risks of preventive surgical procedures in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.
Modelling of oedemous limbs and venous ulcers using partial differential equations
Authors: Ugail Hassan , Wilson Michael J
Published: August 2005

Background

Oedema, commonly known as tissue swelling, occurs mainly on the leg and the arm. The condition may be associated with a range of causes such as venous diseases, trauma, infection, joint disease and orthopaedic surgery. Oedema is caused by both lymphatic and chronic venous insufficiency, which leads to pooling of blood and fluid in the extremities. This results in swelling, mild redness and scaling of the skin, all of which can culminate in ulceration.

Methods

We present a method to model a wide variety of geometries of limbs affected by oedema and venous ulcers. The shape modelling is based on the PDE method where a set of boundary curves are extracted from 3D scan data and are utilised as boundary conditions to solve a PDE, which provides the geometry of an affected limb. For this work we utilise a mixture of fourth order and sixth order PDEs, the solutions of which enable us to obtain a good representative shape of the limb and associated ulcers in question.

Results

A series of examples are discussed demonstrating the capability of the method to produce good representative shapes of limbs by utilising a series of curves extracted from the scan data. In particular we show how the method could be used to model the shape of an arm and a leg with an associated ulcer.

Conclusion

We show how PDE based shape modelling techniques can be utilised to generate a variety of limb shapes and associated ulcers by means of a series of curves extracted from scan data. We also discuss how the method could be used to manipulate a generic shape of a limb and an associated wound so that the model could be fine-tuned for a particular patient.
Cervical stenosis in a professional rugby league football player: a case report
Authors: Pollard Henry , Hansen Lotte , Hoskins Wayne
Published: August 2005

Background

This paper describes a case of C7 radiculopathy in a professional rugby league player after repeated cervical spine trauma. The report outlines the management of the patient following an acute cervical hyperflexion injury with chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue therapies. It also presents a change in approach to include distractive techniques on presentation of a neurological deficit following re-injury. The clinical outcomes, while good, were very dependent upon the athlete restricting himself from further trauma during games, which is a challenge for a professional athlete.

Case presentation

A 30-year old male front row Australian rugby league player presented complaining of neck pain after a hyperflexion and compressive injury during a game. Repeated trauma over a four month period resulted in radicular pain. Radiographs revealed decreased disc height at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels and mild calcification within the anterior longitudinal ligament at the C6-C7 level. MRI revealed a right postero-lateral disc protrusion at the C6-C7 level causing a C7 nerve root compression.

Conclusion

Recommendations from the available literature at the present time suggest that conservative management of cervical discogenic pain and disc protrusion, including chiropractic manipulation and ancillary therapies, can be successful in the absence of progressive neurological deficit. The current case highlights the initial successful management of a football athlete, and the later unsuccessful management. This case highlights the issues involvement in the management of a collision sport athlete with a serious neck injury.
Spasmolytic and antidiarrhoeal properties of the Yucatec Mayan medicinal plant Casimiroa tetrameria
Authors: Heinrich Michael , Heneka Bilkis , Rimpler Horst , Ankli Anita , Sticher Otto , Kostiza Thomas
Published: August 2005

The Maya of the Yucatán peninsula commonly use the leaves of Casimiroa tetrameria for treating gastrointestinal disorders, notably diarrhoea and dysentery, as well as gastrointestinal cramps. The phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of 13 compounds: eight polymethoxylated flavonoids (two as minor components with a main constituent), four flavonoid glycosides and one furanocoumarin. In this study we used two well-established models in order to assess the gastrointestinal effects of C. tetrameria extracts and isolated compounds: the USSING-chamber, a pharmacological model for diarrhoea, and the isolated guinea pig ileum, a model for modulatory effects on ileum contraction. Extracts and the class of polymethoxylated flavonoids showed strong inhibitory effects in both models, which provides ex-vivo evidence for the use of this botanical drug in the treatment of several gastrointestinal problems, most notably diarrhoea. The crude extract, polymethoxylated flavonoid-rich fractions and the polymethoxylated flavonoids tested showed prominent antisecretory activity. Polymethoxylated flavonoid-rich fractions also inhibited the histamine-induced contractions in the guinea pig model. The effects are not due to a single compound, but to a large number of structurally related compounds that all contribute to the effect.
Cytotoxic activity and effect on nitric oxide production of tirucallane-type triterpenes
Authors: Chávez Ibeth Oviedo , Apan Teresa Ramírez , Martínez-Vázquez Mariano
Published: August 2005

Hexane extract from the bark of Amphipterygium adstringens, as well as its principal constituents, masticadienonic acid (1) and 3α-hydroxymasticadienolic acid (2), inhibited the growth of five human cancer cell lines. Derivatives of 1, namely 24,25S-dihydromasticadienonic acid (3) and masticadienolic acid (4), were also evaluated. The results showed that both 3 and 4 had greater activity than 1 on colon cancer cell lines. The effects of 1–4 on the production of nitric oxide (NO) from both resting and lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages were determined. It was found that 1, 2 and 4 caused an increase in NO release from resting macrophages; in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages, only 2 and 4 caused an increase in NO production.
Role of monocarboxylic acid transporters in the cellular uptake of NSAIDs
Authors: Choi Jun-Shik , Jin Ming Ji , Han Hyo-Kyung
Published: August 2005

The present study investigated the cellular uptake mechanism of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Caco-2 cells. Diflunisal, diclofenac, ketoprofen and naproxen exhibited a strong inhibition effect on the cellular uptake of [14C]-benzoic acid in Caco-2 cells with IC50 values of 0.05–0.44 mm. The inhibition of naproxen and ketoprofen against the membrane transport of [14C]-benzoic acid appeared to be competitive, with Ki values of 0.22 and 0.38 mm, respectively. The membrane permeability of naproxen and ketoprofen was concentration dependent, implying that the cellular uptake pathway of ketoprofen and naproxen was saturable at the higher concentration. Furthermore, the cellular accumulation of ketoprofen was significantly reduced in the presence of benzoic acid and l-lactic acid, two known substrates of monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1). These results suggest that MCT1 contributes at least in part to the carrier-mediated transport of NSAIDs containing a carboxylic acid moiety across the apical membrane in Caco-2 cells.
Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro
Authors: Soumyanath Amala , Zhong Yong-Ping , Yu Xiaolin , Bourdette Dennis , Koop Dennis R , Gold Sandra A , Gold Bruce G
Published: August 2005

Axonal regeneration is important for functional recovery following nerve damage. Centella asiatica Urban herb, also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica L., has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a nerve tonic. Here, we show that Centella asiatica ethanolic extract (100 μg mL−1) elicits a marked increase in neurite outgrowth in human SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF). However, a water extract of Centella was ineffective at 100 μg mL−1. Sub-fractions of Centella ethanolic extract, obtained through silica-gel chromatography, were tested (100 μg mL−1) for neurite elongation in the presence of NGF. Greatest activity was found with a non-polar fraction (GKF4). Relatively polar fractions (GKF10 to GKF13) also showed activity, albeit less than GKF4. Thus, Centella contains more than one active component. Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpenoid compound found in Centella ethanolic extract and GKF4, showed marked activity at 1 μm (0.5 μg mL−1). AA was not present in GKF10 to GKF13, further indicating that other active components must be present. Neurite elongation by AA was completely blocked by the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor PD 098059 (10 μm). Male Sprague-Dawley rats given Centella ethanolic extract in their drinking water (300–330 mg kg−1 daily) demonstrated more rapid functional recovery and increased axonal regeneration (larger calibre axons and greater numbers of myelinated axons) compared with controls, indicating that the axons grew at a faster rate. Taken together, our findings indicate that components in Centella ethanolic extract may be useful for accelerating repair of damaged neurons.
Maintenance of chondroitin sulfation balance by chondroitin-4-sulfotransferase 1 is required for chondrocyte development and growth factor signaling during cartilage morphogenesis
Authors: Klüppel Michael , Wight Thomas N. , Chan Christina , Hinek Aleksander , Wrana Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2005

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are polysaccharide chains that are attached to core proteins to form proteoglycans. The biosynthesis of GAGs is a multistep process that includes the attachment of sulfate groups to specific positions of the polysaccharide chains by sulfotransferases. Heparan-sulfate and heparan sulfate-sulfotransferases play important roles in growth factor signaling and animal development. However, the biological importance of chondroitin sulfation during mammalian development and growth factor signaling is poorly understood. We show that a gene trap mutation in the BMP-induced chondroitin-4-sulfotransferase 1 (C4st1) gene (also called carbohydrate sulfotransferase 11 – Chst11), which encodes an enzyme specific for the transfer of sulfate groups to the 4-O-position in chondroitin, causes severe chondrodysplasia characterized by a disorganized cartilage growth plate as well as specific alterations in the orientation of chondrocyte columns. This phenotype is associated with a chondroitin sulfation imbalance, mislocalization of chondroitin sulfate in the growth plate and an imbalance of apoptotic signals. Analysis of several growth factor signaling pathways that are important in cartilage growth plate development showed that the C4st1gt/gt mutation led to strong upregulation of TGFβ signaling with concomitant downregulation of BMP signaling, while Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signaling was unaffected. These results show that chondroitin 4-O-sulfation by C4st1 is required for proper chondroitin sulfate localization, modulation of distinct signaling pathways and cartilage growth plate morphogenesis. Our study demonstrates an important biological role of differential chondroitin sulfation in mammalian development.
Cost of transport is increased after cold exposure inMonodelphis domestica: training for inefficiency
Authors: Schaeffer Paul J. , Villarin Jason J. , Pierotti David J. , Kelly Daniel P. , Lindstedt Stan L.
Published: August 2005

Monodelphis domestica (Didelphidae: Marsupialia) lacks brown adipose tissue and thus relies on skeletal muscle as its primary thermogenic organ. Following cold exposure, the aerobic capacity of skeletal muscle in these animals is greatly increased. We investigated the effects of this plastic response to thermogenesis on locomotion and muscle mechanics. In cold-exposed animals, cost of transport was 15% higher than in controls but was unaffected by exercise training. Twitch kinetics in isolated semitendinosus muscles of cold-exposed animals were characteristic of slow-oxidative fiber types. Both time-to-peak tension and half-relaxation time were longer and maximal shortening velocity was slower following cold exposure compared to either thermoneutral controls or exercise-trained animals. Further, muscles from the cold-exposed animals had greater fatigue resistance than either control or exercise-trained animals, indicating greater oxidative capacity. Finally, we identified an uncoupling protein 3 homologue, whose gene expression was upregulated in skeletal muscle of cold-exposed Monodelphis domestica. Cold exposure provided a potent stimulus for muscle plasticity, driving a fast-to-slow transition more effectively than exercise training. However, linked to the dramatic shift in muscle properties is an equally dramatic increase in whole animal muscle energetics during locomotion,suggesting an uncoupled state, or `training for inefficiency'.
Patterns of variation in glycogen, free glucose and lactate in organs of supercooled hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta)
Authors: Packard Mary J. , Packard Gary C.
Published: August 2005

Hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) typically spend their first winter of life in a shallow, subterranean hibernaculum (the natal nest),where they may be exposed for extended periods to ice and cold. The key to their survival seems to be to avoid freezing and to sustain a state of supercooling. As temperature declines below 0°C, however, the heart of an unfrozen turtle beats progressively slower, the diminished perfusion of peripheral tissues with blood induces a functional hypoxia, and anaerobic glycolysis assumes ever greater importance as a source of ATP. We hypothesized that diminished circulatory function in supercooled turtles also reduces the delivery of metabolic substrates to peripheral tissues from central stores in the liver, so that the tissues depend increasingly on endogenous stores to fuel their metabolism. We discovered in the current investigation that part of the glycogen reserve in hearts and brains of hatchlings is mobilized during the first 10 days of exposure to –6°C but that glucose from hepatic glycogen supports metabolism of the organs thereafter. Hatchlings that were held at –6°C for 10 days and then at +3°C for another 10 days were able to reconstitute some of the reserve of glycogen in heart and liver but not the glycogen reserve in brain. Patterns of accumulation of lactate in individual organs were very similar to those reported for whole animals in a companion study, and point to a high degree of reliance on anaerobic metabolism at –6°C and to a lesser degree of reliance on anaerobiosis at higher subzero temperatures. Lactate had returned to baseline levels in organs of animals that were held for 10 days at –6°C and for another 10 days at +3°C, but free glucose remained elevated. Indeed,carbohydrate metabolism probably does not return to the pre-exposure state in any of the major organs until well after the exposure to subzero temperatures has ended, circulatory sufficiency has been restored, and aerobic respiration has fully supplanted anaerobic respiration as a source of ATP.
Spike firing allometry in avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors: matching neural code to body size
Authors: Hempleman S. C. , Kilgore D. L. , Colby C. , Bavis R. W. , Powell F. L.
Published: August 2005

Biological rates in small animals are usually higher than those in large animals, yet the maximal rate of action potential (spike) generation in sensory neurons encoding rate functions is similar in all animals, due to the conserved genetics of voltage-gated ion channels. Therefore, sensory signals that vary at rates approaching maximal spike generation rate, as might occur in animals of diminished body size, may require specialized spike coding to convey this information. To test whether spike coding scales allometrically in sensory neurons monitoring signals that change frequency with body size, we recorded action potentials from 70 avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC),respiratory neurons that detect lung CO2 changes during breathing,in five different avian species ranging in size from body mass Mb = 0.045 kg (lovebirds) to 5.23 kg (geese). Since breathing frequency scales approximately to Mb–1/4 (higher in small birds, lower in large birds), we reasoned that IPC discharge frequencies may also scale to maintain spike information transmission within each breath. We found that phasic action potential discharge pattern, as quantified by the peak discharge rate and the magnitude of spike frequency adaptation, scaled between Mb–0.22 and Mb–0.26, like breathing rate(P<0.05). Previously published values of peak discharge rate in IPC also fit this allometric relationship. We suggest that mass-dependent scaling of neural coding may be necessary for preserving information transmission with decreasing body size.