bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hamilton–Waterloo problem for cycle sizes 3 and 4
Authors: Danziger Peter , Quattrocchi Gaetano , Stevens Brett
Published: February 2009

The Hamilton–Waterloo problem seeks a resolvable decomposition of the complete graph Kn, or the complete graph minus a 1‐factor as appropriate, into cycles such that each resolution class contains only cycles of specified sizes. We completely solve the case in which the resolution classes are either all 3‐cycles or 4‐cycles, with a few possible exceptions when n=24 and 48. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 342–352, 2009
Epithelial‐specific requirement of FGFR2 signaling during tooth and palate development
Authors: Hosokawa Ryoichi , Deng Xuemei , Takamori Kazunori , Xu Xun , Urata Mark , Bringas Pablo , Chai Yang
Published: February 2009

Reciprocal interactions between epithelium and mesenchyme are crucial for embryonic development. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a growth factor family that play an important role in epithelial–mesenchymal tissue interaction. We have generated epithelial‐specific conditional knockout mice targeting Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2) to investigate the function of FGF signaling during craniofacial development.K14‐Cre;Fgfr2fl/flmice have skin defects, retarded tooth formation, and cleft palate. During the formation of the tooth primordium and palatal processes, cell proliferation in the epithelial cells ofK14‐Cre;Fgfr2fl/flmice is reduced. Thus, FGF signaling via FGFR2 in the epithelium is crucial for cell proliferation activity during tooth and palate development.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:343–350, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implicit leader development: The mentor role as prefatory leadership context
Authors: Middlebrooks Anthony E. , Haberkorn Judi T.
Published: February 2009

This qualitative study examines the role of mentor as a possible avenue of individual leader development. Specifically, how do mentors conceptualize effective leadership, and what facets of psychological capital develop in the mentoring relationship? Fourteen mentors participating in a statewide mentoring program were surveyed, along with expert mentors and mentees for verification. Results found that mentors' conceptualization of their role and activities aligned with established leadership concepts, specifically those leadership behaviors associated with transformational leadership. Mentors also indicated perceived growth in facets of psychological capital associated with leadership success. By examining the implicit influences and benefits of serving in the mentor role, the alternative focus on the mentor's growth can be utilized to incorporate leadership development into this well‐established pedagogical tool.
A study of follower's personality, implicit leadership perceptions, and leadership ratings
Authors: Salter Charles R. , Green Mark , Ree Malcolm , Carmody‐Bubb Meghan , Duncan Phyllis A.
Published: February 2009

This research was designed to test the theoretical relationship between personality, implicit leadership, and leadership style suggested in past studies. Specifically, it was designed to link traits from the five‐factor model of personality (the Big Five), by utilizing the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP), to a follower's perception of the leadership style of George W. Bush, based on Bass and Avolio's (1997) MLQ5X. A voluntary sample was taken consisting of undergraduate and graduate students from three universities in southern Texas in 2006, with a sample size of N = 303. Respondents who scored high in neuroticism rated the leader as less transformational than those who did not. Also, the ancillary variable good leadership had a positive effect on the respondent's ratings of the leader as a transformational leader, and as a less passive leader, than subjects who did not rate the leader as being a good leader. There was a significant relationship found between respondents' political party affiliation and their transformational and passive leadership ratings. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the Obama versus McCain presidential race.
Symposium. An innovative approach to course restructuring in leadership education. Course restructuring in leadership education. Using differentiated literature to promote professional thinking. Pedagogical and andragogical challenges in leadership studies
Authors: Kaufman Cathy C. , Millward Robert , Pappas Theodore , Younkin Winnie
Published: February 2009

In his germinal writing, The Child and the Curriculum, John Dewey (1902) made the forceful case for the development of a curriculum that could integrate and valuate students' desires and needs as crucial elements of education. Similarly, Ralph Tyler's (1949) famous and widely influential curriculum rationale called for the participation of the entire community as an element of curriculum decisions, but this element of his work has been largely absent from educational discourse, especially in a time of national accountability in elementary, secondary, and even postsecondary institutions. In this symposium, we offer a position paper by Dr. Cathy Kaufman that seeks to return students' needs to the forefront of curriculum planning for an interdisciplinary audience. Our respondents, Robert Millward, Ted Pappas, and Winnie Younkin, themselves representing interdisciplinary backgrounds and interests, add their own perspectives to this intersection of leadership education, and the all‐too‐often muted voice of the student in the curriculum development process.
Infection of B cells with hepatitis C virus for the development of lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Inokuchi Momoko , Ito Takayoshi , Uchikoshi Manabu , Shimozuma Yuu , Morikawa Kenichi , Nozawa Hisako , Shimazaki Tomoe , Hiroishi Kazumasa , Miyakawa Yuzo , Imawari Michio
Published: February 2009

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, represented by essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, but the pathogenic mechanism remains obscure. HCV may infect B cells or interact with their cell surface receptors, and induce lymphoproliferation. The influence of HCV infection of B cells on the development of lymphoproliferative disorders was evaluated in 75 patients with persistent HCV infection. HCV infection was more prevalent (63% vs. 16%, 14%, or 17% P < 0.05 for each), and HCV RNA levels were higher (3.35 ± 3.85 vs. 1.75 ± 2.52, 2.15 ± 2.94 or 2.10 ± 2.90 log copies/100 ng, P < 0.01 for each) in B cells than CD4+, CD8+ T cells or other cells. Negative‐strand HCV RNA, as a marker of viral replication, was detected in B cells from four of the 75 (5%) patients. Markers for lymphoproliferative disorders were more frequent in the 50 patients with chronic hepatitis C than the 32 with chronic hepatitis B, including cryoglobulinemia (26% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), low CH50 levels (48% vs. 3%, P = 0.012), and the clonality of B cells (12% vs. 0%, P < 0.01). By multivariate analysis, HCV RNA in B cells was an independent factor associated with the presence of at least one marker for lymphoproliferation (odds ratio: 1.98 [95% confidence interval: 1.36–7.24], P = 0.027). Based on the results obtained, the infection of B cells with HCV would play an important role in the development of lymphoproliferative disorders. J. Med. Virol. 81:619–627, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severity of liver disease predicts the development of glucose abnormalities in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C following achievement of sustained virological response to antiviral therapy
Authors: Chehadeh Wassim , Al‐Nakib Widad
Published: February 2009

A higher prevalence of glucose abnormalities has been reported in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection compared to patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, previous studies considered some confounding factors and ignored others, which might influence the comparative risk assessment between HBV and HCV infections. Fasting plasma glucose concentration, severity of liver disease and viral load were determined in 220 patients with HCV genotype 4 infection, and 200 patients with HBV infection. Patients completing antiviral therapy were followed‐up, and the fasting plasma glucose levels were determined in patients with and without sustained virological response. The prevalence of glucose abnormalities in HCV infection (41%) was significantly higher than that in HBV infection (16%). However, when controlling the severity of liver disease and other risk factors, the prevalence of glucose abnormalities in patients with HCV infection was comparable to that in patients with HBV infection. After attaining of sustained virological response, a decrease of the median fasting plasma glucose value was observed only in chronic hepatitis C. In the group of patients with normal fasting plasma glucose levels, an association of nonsustained virological response with the development of impaired fasting glucose was only observed in chronic hepatitis C. The severity of liver disease was a common predictor of impaired fasting glucose in hepatitis B and C infections. These results indicate that high prevalence of glucose abnormalities can be associated with HBV‐ and HCV‐related liver disease, and that clearance of HCV, but not HBV, may improve glucose metabolism. J. Med. Virol. 81:610–618, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allelic frequencies of HPA‐1 to 5 human platelet antigens in patients infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Verdichio‐Moraes Camila Fernanda , Toralles‐Pereira Cecília , Grotto Rejane Maria Tommasini , Silva Giovanni Faria , Pardini Maria Inês de Moura Campos
Published: February 2009

Studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) may infect not only hepatocytes but may also be carried by platelets. Platelets express more than 20 polymorphic antigenic determinants on their surface, which are called human platelet antigens (HPA). To determine the allele frequency of the HPA‐1 to ‐5 in patients infected with HCV, blood samples were collected from 257 blood donors for the control group and from 191 patients infected with HCV. DNA was isolated and amplified for genes HPA‐1 to ‐4 using PCR Sequence Specific Primers (PCR‐SSP) and HPA‐5 using PCR‐Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). The allelic and genotypic frequency of HPA‐5a in patients infected with HCV was found to be significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the controls, and HPA‐5b from patients infected with HCV was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in controls. The increase in HPA‐5b allelic frequency in HCV infection may indicate a possible association between HCV infection and HPAs. J. Med. Virol. 81:757–759, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic susceptibility to symptomatic norovirus infection in Nicaragua
Authors: Bucardo Filemon , Kindberg Elin , Paniagua Margarita , Vildevall Malin , Svensson Lennart
Published: February 2009

Host genetic resistance to Norovirus (NoV) has been observed in challenge and outbreak studies in populations from Europe, Asia, and USA. In this study, we have investigated if histo‐blood group antigens can predict susceptibility to diarrhea caused by NoV in Nicaragua, Central America, and if this can be reflected in antibody‐prevalence and titer to NoV among individuals with different histo‐blood group antigen phenotypes. Investigation of 28 individuals infected with NoV and 131 population controls revealed 6% of non‐secretors in the population and nil non‐secretors among patients infected with NoV, suggesting that non‐secretors may be protected against NoV disease in Nicaragua. Surprisingly, 25% of the population was Lewis negative (Lea−b−). NoV infections with genogroup I (GI) and GII occurred irrespective of Lewis genotype, but none of the Lewis a positive (Lea + b−) were infected. The globally dominating GII.4 virus infected individuals of all blood groups except AB (n = 5), while the GI viruses (n = 4) infected only blood type O individuals. Furthermore, O blood types were susceptible to infections with GI.4, GII.4, GII.7, GII.17, and GII.18‐Nica viruses, suggesting that secretors with blood type O are susceptible (OR = 1.52) and non‐secretors resistant. The overall antibody‐prevalence to NoV GII.3 VLP was 62% with the highest prevalence among blood type B carriers (70%) followed by A (68%) and O (62%). All four investigated individuals carrying blood type AB were antibody‐negative. Among secretors, 63% were antibody‐positive compared to 33% among non‐secretors (P = 0.151). This study extends previous knowledge about the histo‐blood group antigens role in NoV disease in a population with different genetic background than North American and European. J. Med. Virol. 81:728–735, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes in 1,504 patients in Slovenia, 1993–2007
Authors: Seme Katja , Vrhovac Maja , Močilnik Tina , Matičič Mojca , Lešničar Gorazd , Baklan Zvonko , Volkar Jelka Meglič , Rajter Mojca , Štepec Srečko , Lunar Maja , Poljak Mario
Published: February 2009

In order to identify the main routes of hepatitis C (HCV) transmission and to determine the HCV genotype distribution and its dynamics during a 15‐year period in Slovenia, HCV genotypes were detected using the INNO‐LiPA HCV II (Innogenetics) test for serum samples obtained from 1,504 patients representing 72.6% of all patients with chronic hepatitis C diagnosed from 1993 to 2007. HCV genotype 1 was predominant (56%), followed by genotypes 3, 2, and 4, with a prevalence of 37.8%, 5%, and 1.2%, respectively. HCV genotypes 5 and 6 were not detected in any patient. Patients infected with HCV genotype 3 were significantly younger (mean age 28.9 ± 8.5 years) than those infected with genotype 1 (mean age 38.9 ± 14.8 years; P < 0.0001) and those infected with HCV genotype 2 (mean age 50.3 ± 18.2 years; P < 0.0001). Intravenous drug use was identified as the most frequent possible HCV transmission route (34.3%), followed by medical‐related transmission such as transfusion of HCV‐contaminated blood or blood products, and hemodialysis (12.5%). Being an intravenous drug user was found to be strongly associated with HCV genotype 3 (OR, 3.71 [95% CI, 2.97–4.65]; P < 0.0001) and reporting infection by transfusion of blood or blood products was found to be strongly associated with HCV genotype 1 (OR, 3.28 [95% CI, 2.18–4.95]; P < 0.0001). During the 15‐year period, the proportion of genotype 3 increased substantially, reflecting the fact that the HCV epidemic in Slovenia is driven mostly by intravenous drug use. J. Med. Virol. 81:634–639, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disseminated varicella with multiorgan failure in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Beby‐Defaux Agnès , Brabant Séverine , Chatellier Delphine , Bourgoin Anne , Robert René , Ruckes Tobias , Agius Gérard
Published: February 2009

A case of fulminant disseminated varicella is reported in a 28‐year‐old immunocompetent man. He developed hepatitis, severe pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, followed by encephalopathy and multiorgan failure despite acyclovir therapy. He spent a total of 3.5 months in intensive care and rehabilitation units. Real‐time PCR yielded a rapid diagnosis of varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) infection and was used to monitor plasma viral load for 56 days. Plasma viral load peaked at 7.1 log10/ml on day 4 after symptom onset, then gradually declined and became undetectable after between 1 and 2 months; viral load in lung fluid followed a similar pattern. The glycoprotein E variant associated with increased VZV virulence was not detected, and the VZV thymidine kinase gene bore no major mutations associated with acyclovir resistance. This case serves as a reminder that varicella can be life‐threatening in adults and that vaccination of individuals at risk remains essential. J. Med. Virol. 81:747–749, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1*1101 correlates with less severe hepatitis in Taiwanese male carriers of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Huang Yi‐Wen , Hu Chung‐Yi , Chen Chi‐Lin , Liao Ya‐Tang , Liu Chun‐Jen , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Pei‐Jer , Yang Sien‐Sing , Hu Jui‐Ting , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: February 2009

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules are associated with host immune responses against hepatitis B virus infection. Male gender is the apparent host factor when someone encounters with the severity of hepatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the most polymorphic HLA class II allele, human leukocyte antigen—DRB1, with the severity of hepatitis in male carriers of hepatitis B virus. In this prospective cohort study, a total of 204 carriers of hepatitis B virus (131 men and 73 women) who have been followed‐up for more than 1 year at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital were collected consecutively. Fifty carriers of hepatitis B virus (group I) with alanine aminotransferase <2× upper limit of normal (mean follow‐up 83.6 months) were compared with 154 chronic hepatitis B patients (group II) with alanine aminotransferase ≥2× upper limit of normal (mean follow‐up 81.3 months). Alleles of HLA‐DRB1 were typed by the polymerase chain reaction—sequence specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization and genotypes of hepatitis B virus by melting curve analysis. HLA‐DRB1*1101 was found in 18% of group I versus 8% of group II in male carriers (OR 0.23, P = 0.020, after adjustment for age) and 4% versus 9.4% in female carriers (P = 0.094). In male carriers harboring DRB1*1101, the distribution of hepatitis B viral genotype was comparable between the two groups. HLA‐DRB1*1101 correlates with less severe hepatitis in Taiwanese male carriers of hepatitis B virus. J. Med. Virol. 81:588–593, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative human papillomavirus 16 and 18 levels in incident infections and cervical lesion development
Authors: Winer Rachel L. , Harris Tiffany G. , Xi Long Fu , Jansen Kathrin U. , Hughes James P. , Feng Qinghua , Welebob Carolee , Ho Jesse , Lee Shu‐Kuang , Carter Joseph J. , Galloway Denise A. , Kiviat Nancy B. , Koutsky Laura A.
Published: February 2009

Human papillomavirus (HPV) RNA levels may be a more sensitive early indicator of predisposition to carcinogenesis than DNA levels. We evaluated whether levels of HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) in newly detected infections are associated with cervical lesion development. Female university students were recruited from 1990 to 2004. Cervical samples for HPV DNA, HPV mRNA, and Papanicolaou testing were collected tri‐annually, and women were referred for colposcopically directed biopsy when indicated. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of L1 and E7 DNA and E7 mRNA was performed on samples from women with HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 infections that were incidently detected by consensus PCR. Adjusting for other HPV types, increasing E7 cervical HPV‐16 mRNA levels at the time of incident HPV‐16 DNA detection were associated with an increased risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2–3 (HR per 1 log10 increase in mRNA = 6.36, 95% CI = 2.00–20.23). Increasing HPV‐16 mRNA levels were also associated with an increased risk of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions; the risk was highest at the incident positive visit and decreased over time. Neither HPV‐16 E7 DNA levels nor HPV‐18 E7 DNA nor mRNA levels were significantly associated with cervical lesion development. Report of >1 new partner in the past 8 months (relative to no new partners) was associated with increased HPV mRNA (viral level ratio [VLR] = 10.05, 95% CI = 1.09–92.56) and increased HPV DNA (VLR = 16.80, 95% CI = 1.46–193.01). In newly detected HPV‐16 infections, increasing levels of E7 mRNA appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing cervical pre‐cancer. J. Med. Virol. 81:713–721, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiological and clinical study of viral respiratory tract infections in children from Italy
Authors: Fabbiani Massimiliano , Terrosi Chiara , Martorelli Barbara , Valentini Melissa , Bernini Laura , Cellesi Carla , Cusi Maria Grazia
Published: February 2009

Impact of recently discovered viruses on epidemiology of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) is still unclear. We studied the impact of recently discovered human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human bocavirus (HBoV), and new coronaviruses (HCoV‐NL63 and HKU1) on the global epidemiology of ARTI. From October 2006 to April 2007, 237 pediatric patients affected by ARTI were enrolled in our study. Specimens were tested for respiratory viruses by polymerase chain reaction. One hundred twenty‐four out of 237 samples (52.3%) were positive for one or more viruses. Picornaviruses were the most prevalent viruses (n = 61, 43.6%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (n = 34, 24.3%) and Adenovirus (n = 25, 17.9%); hMPV (n = 9, 6.4%) was the fourth most common virus detected. HBoV and HCoV showed a low prevalence (respectively 2.9% and 2.1%). RSV was the prevalent agent of LRTI (38%). Viruses were identified in more than 50% of the studied ARTI, providing useful information on clinical features and epidemiology of specific agents affecting children in cold months. Although routine surveillance of respiratory viruses does not seem cost‐effective, continuous monitoring of ARTI etiology could be a useful tool for planning resources for the development of new vaccines and antiviral agents. J. Med. Virol. 81:750–756, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of the virological response to etravirine in clinical practice: Comparison of three genotype algorithms
Authors: Cotte Laurent , Trabaud Mary‐Anne , Tardy Jean‐Claude , Brochier Corinne , Gilibert René‐Pierre , Miailhes Patrick , Trépo Christian , André Patrice
Published: February 2009

The current Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (ANRS)/International AIDS Society (IAS) algorithm predicts resistance to etravirine for viruses harboring ≥3 mutations from a list of 13 reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations. Two weighted algorithms, best correlated with fold changes to etravirine, have been described recently. A retrospective virological analysis of a major French city HIV sequences database was undertaken to assess the proportion of etravirine resistant viruses according to these three algorithms and the correlations between them. Two thousand six hundred eighty RT sequences were analyzed, including 749 from naive patients and 926 from patients previously treated with non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Combinations of mutations associated with etravirine resistance according to the three algorithms were found in 0%, 2.3%, and 3.6% of naive patients, and in 2.4%, 20.4%, and 19.3% of patients previously treated with NNRTIs. Concordance between the algorithms was weak (2 × 2 Kendall's tau: 0.787, 0.395, and 0.584). Most of the discordance was due to the differential weights attributed to Y181C/V, L100I, and K101P in the two weighted algorithms. It is concluded that the current ANRS/ IAS algorithm probably underestimates the proportion of viruses partially resistant to etravirine in NNRTI‐experienced patients. Improvements in algorithms are needed to take into account the partial resistance associated with some mutation patterns, and should include either additional mutations to the current list and/or differential weights for specific mutations. Surveys of naive patients should be conducted to estimate the risk of primary resistance to etravirine in a minority of cases. J. Med. Virol. 81:672–677, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus and risk factors in Brazilian non‐injecting drug users
Authors: Ferreira Renata C. , Rodrigues Fabiana P. , Teles Sheila A. , Lopes Carmen L.R. , Motta‐Castro Ana Rita C. , Novais Antônia C.M. , Souto Francisco J.D. , Martins Regina M.B.
Published: February 2009

Non‐injecting drug users are at high‐risk for acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV), although the factors contributing to this increased risk are not known. In the present study, the overall and occult HBV infection prevalence rates were determined in a large population of non‐injecting drug users in the Central‐West region of Brazil. HBV genotypes and predictors of infection were also identified. A total of 852 individuals in 34 drug treatment centers were interviewed, and their serum samples were tested for the presence of HBV markers by ELISA. HBsAg and anti‐HBc‐positive samples were tested for HBV DNA by PCR. Samples with HBV DNA were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 14% (95% CI: 11.7–16.5). A multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that age >30 years, non‐white race/ethnicity, duration of drug use >10 years, lifetime number of sexual partners >10, non‐use of condoms, and HCV and HIV status were associated significantly with HBV infection. Of the 9 (1%) HBsAg‐reactive samples, HBV DNA was present in 2/2 of HBeAg‐positive and in 5/7 anti‐HBe‐positive samples. An occult HBV infection rate of 2.7% (3/110) was found among anti‐HBc‐positive individuals. All HBV DNA‐positive samples were genotyped: seven were genotype A, two were genotype D, and one was genotype F. Finally, few individuals (8%) had serological evidence of a previous HBV vaccination. These findings indicate that preventive interventions are needed for both sexual and drug‐related high‐risk behavior. Additionally, non‐injecting drug users should be targeted for HBV vaccination. J. Med. Virol. 81:602–609, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indole‐3‐propionic acid attenuates neuronal damage and oxidative stress in the ischemic hippocampus
Authors: Hwang In Koo , Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Li Hua , Park Ok Kyu , Lee Choong Hyun , Choi Jung Hoon , Jeong Young‐Gil , Lee Yun Lyul , Kim Young‐Myeong , Kwon Young‐Guen , Won Moo‐Ho
Published: February 2009

Tryptophan‐derived indole compounds have been widely investigated as antioxidants and as free‐radical scavengers. Indole‐3‐propionic acid (IPA), one of these compounds, is a deamination product of tryptophan. In the present study, we used Mongolian gerbils to investigate IPA's neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage and its antioxidative effects in the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) after 5 min of transient forebrain ischemia. The repeated oral administration of IPA (10 mg/kg) for 15 days before ischemic surgery protected neurons from ischemic damage. In this group, the percentage of cresyl violet–positive neurons in the CA1 was 56.8% compared with that in the sham group. In the vehicle‐treated group, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐, S‐100‐, and vimentin‐immunoreactive astrocytes and ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba‐1)– and isolectin B4 (IB4)–immunoreactive microglia were activated 4 days after ischemia/reperfusion, whereas in the IPA‐treated ischemic group, GFAP, S‐100, Iba‐1, and IB4, but not vimentin, immunoreactivity was distinctly lower than that in the vehicle‐treated ischemic groups. The administration of IPA significantly decreased the level of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in ischemic hippocampal homogenates compared with that in the vehicle‐treated ischemic groups at various times after ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, immunostaining for 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine showed DNA damage in pyramidal neurons in the ischemic CA1 was significantly lower in the IPA‐treated ischemic groups than in the vehicle‐treated ischemic groups. These results suggest that IPA protects neurons from ischemia‐induced neuronal damage by reducing DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survival and early functional integration of dopaminergic progenitor cells following transplantation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hahn Michaela , Timmer Marco , Nikkhah Guido
Published: February 2009

Dopaminergic (DA) grafts in rat models of Parkinson's disease (PD) have previously been derived from embryonic day (E) 14 grafts. Because there is an increasing interest in the restorative capacity of DA stem and progenitor cells, in the present study we examined the survival and early and late functional behavioral effects of DA progenitor cells derived from E12, E13, E14, and E15 grafts transplanted into rats with unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamin lesions. DA transplant–induced functional recovery was already observed in postural balancing reactions after 10 days and in stepping behavior after 13 days, that is, in spontaneous complex behaviors, and later, after 16 days, in the amphetamine‐induced rotation test. Three distinct patterns of functional recovery could be observed at 6–9 weeks posttransplantation. First, behavioral improvements in drug‐induced rotational asymmetry, stepping, and skilled forelimb behavior were directly related to DA neuron survival and TH‐positive fiber reinnervation. Second, recovery in postural balancing reactions was closely related to a specific developmental time window of donor age, for example, only seen in E13 and E14 grafts. Finally, no functional graft effects were seen in the table lift test. Interestingly, DA neuron graft survival, TH‐positive fiber outgrowth, and graft volume were significantly influenced by the developmental time window in which the DA progenitor cells were dissected from the ventral mesencephalon, that is, from E12, E13, E14, or E15 rat embryos. These data highlight the complexity of graft–host interactions and provide novel insights into the dynamics of DA progenitor graft‐mediated functional recovery in animal models of Parkinson's disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein product of CLN6 gene responsible for variant late‐onset infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis interacts with CRMP‐2
Authors: Benedict Jared W. , Getty Amanda L. , Wishart Thomas M. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Pearce David A.
Published: February 2009

Mutations in CLN6 cause variant late‐onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (vLINCL), a childhood neurodegenerative disorder resulting from aberrant neuronal cell loss and pathological accumulation of lysosomal autofluorescent storage material in the central nervous system. The direct function of the endoplasmic reticulum–resident protein CLN6 and how dysfunction of this protein results in vLINCL are unknown. We report that CLN6 interacts with collapsin response mediator protein‐2 (CRMP‐2). To further understand the significance and possible contribution to vLINCL of the CLN6–CRMP‐2 interaction, we utilized the nclf mouse, which harbors mutations in CLN6. Significantly, CRMP‐2 protein level was found to be reduced in the nclf mouse brain, particularly in the thalamus. Because CRMP‐2 functions in growth cone collapse and is an effector protein downstream of Sema3A signaling, this pathway was examined via a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) repulsion assay. However, there were no defects in the repulsion of DRGs derived from nclf mice, indicating that the loss of CLN6 does not affect Sema3A signaling. CRMP‐2 has also been implicated in controlling axon number and outgrowth, as observed in cultured hippocampal neurons. Therefore, we explored the formation and maturation of hippocampal neurons derived from nclf mice in a glial coculture system. The maturation of these neurons was reduced; by day in vitro (DIV) 8, more than 50% of nclf‐derived hippocampal neurons had died. Additionally, beginning around DIV4, nclf neurons were less mature than their WT counterparts, presumably because of an inability to form mature synaptic connections. We concluded that alterations in neurite maturation resulting from a loss of CLN6–CRMP‐2 interaction may contribute to neuronal dysfunction and pathology in vLINCL. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II in dendritic spine remodeling during epileptiform activity in vitro
Authors: Zha Xiang‐ming , Dailey Michael E. , Green Steven H.
Published: February 2009

Epileptiform activity (EA) in vivo and in vitro induces a loss of dendritic spines and synapses. Because CaMKII has been implicated in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity, we investigated the role of CaMKII in the effects of EA on spines, using rat hippocampal slice cultures. To visualize dendrites and postsynaptic densities (PSDs) in pyramidal neurons in the slices, we used biolistic transfection to express either free GFP or a PSD95‐YFP construct that specifically labels PSDs. This allowed us to distinguish two classes of dendritic protrusions: spines that contain PSDs, and filopodia that lack PSDs and that are, on average, longer than spines. By these criteria, 48 hr of EA caused a decrease specifically in the number of spines. Immunoblots showed that EA increased CaMKII activity in the slices. Inhibition of CaMKII by expression of AIP, a specific peptide inhibitor of CaMKII, reduced spine number under basal conditions and failed to prevent EA‐induced spine loss. However, under EA conditions, AIP increased the number of filopodia and the number of PSDs on the dendritic shaft. These data show at least two roles for CaMKII activity in maintenance and remodeling of dendritic spines under basal or EA conditions. First, CaMKII activity promotes the maintenance of spines and spine PSDs. Second, CaMKII activity suppresses EA‐induced formation of filopodia and suppresses an increase in shaft PSDs, apparently by promoting translocation of PSDs from dendritic shafts to spines and/or selectively stabilizing spine rather than shaft PSDs. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal TIMP‐1 release accompanies astrocytic MMP‐9 secretion and enhances astrocyte proliferation induced by β‐amyloid 25–35 fragment
Authors: Hernández‐Guillamon Mar , Delgado Pilar , Ortega Laura , Pares Mireia , Rosell Anna , García‐Bonilla Lidia , Fernández‐Cadenas Israel , Borrell‐Pagès Maria , Boada Mercè , Montaner Joan
Published: February 2009

The neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accompanied by an inflammatory response that includes neurodegeneration and glial reactivity. Tissue remodeling proteins, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), are inflammatory mediators that might play a dual role in the AD brain. We aimed to investigate the effects of β‐amyloid (Abeta) on the MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance and its involvement in Abeta toxicity in neurons and glial cells. Our results demonstrate that the neurotoxic 25–35 Abeta fragment induces the activation of MMP‐9 and the increase of proMMP‐2/9 secretion and promotes the release of TIMP‐1 in a mixed cortical neuroglial culture. The same treatments performed in pure neuronal or astrocytic cultures confirm that astroglial cells are the major source of MMP‐9, whereas increased TIMP‐1 levels have a neuronal origin. Moreover, 25–35 Abeta fragment not only induced a release of these molecules but also caused expressional changes in MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1, correlated with the neurotoxicity process. We also show that TIMP‐1 promoted cell proliferation in a mixed neuroglial culture, and we confirm this effect in primary cultured astrocytes induced by rTIMP‐1 and 25–35 Abeta. Because the proliferative effect caused by Abeta 25–35 was enhanced by the presence of TIMP‐1, we suggest that the astroglial reactivity induced by chronic exposure of the peptide might be mediated in part by TIMP‐1, which is secreted mainly by injured neurons. In conclusion, our data suggest that the Abeta 25–35 fragment stimulates the MMP‐9–TIMP‐1 pathway, promoting gliosis, in a self‐defensive attempt to eliminate amyloid deposition from AD brains. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Future change of temperature and precipitation extremes in South America as derived from the PRECIS regional climate modeling system
Authors: Marengo J. A. , Jones R. , Alves L. M. , Valverde M. C.
Published: February 2009

Using the PRECIS regional climate modeling system this study analyses the distribution of extremes of temperature and precipitation in South America in the recent past (1961–1990) and in a future (2071–2100) climate under the IPCC SRES A2 and B2 emissions scenarios. The results show that for the present climate the model simulates well the spatial distribution of extreme temperature and rainfall events when compared with observations, with temperature the more realistic. The observations over the region are far from comprehensive which compromises the assessment of model quality. In all the future climate scenarios considered all parts of the region would experience significant and often different changes in rainfall and temperature extremes. In the future, the occurrence of warm nights is projected to be more frequent in the entire tropical South America while the occurrence of cold night events is likely to decrease. Significant changes in rainfall extremes and dry spells are also projected. These include increased intensity of extreme precipitation events over most of Southeastern South America and western Amazonia consistent with projected increasing trends in total rainfall in these regions. In Northeast Brazil and eastern Amazonia smaller or no changes are seen in projected rainfall intensity though significant changes are seen in the frequency of consecutive dry days. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
An approach to extrapolate categorical agricultural soil data to nonmapped areas using majority vote
Authors: Böhm Christian , Kiesel Joachim , Deumlich Detlef , Thiere Jürgen
Published: February 2009

Soil maps are indispensable base material for planning processes and risk analyses. For many studies, however, area‐wide uniformly scaled soil maps are not available. Our objective was to develop a GIS‐based method for providing information for NoData areas of the Medium‐Scale Agricultural Site Mapping (MMK). NoData areas represent nonagricultural zones, in this case especially forests. A grid‐based methodology for extrapolating soil mapping units of agricultural areas to the entire landscape was developed and tested in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania (total area 23,170 km2). The principle of the extrapolation method is based on a statistical neighborhood analysis implemented by the moving‐window technology considering selected site features as geology, altitude, and relief energy. Results were illustrated exemplarily for soil‐moisture conditions, which are expressed as “hydromorphy association types”. Four different indicators were derived to ensure a spatially differentiated evaluation of the extrapolation quality. The precision with which it is possible to extrapolate already mapped MMK units in terms of the hydromorphy association type was used to validate the extrapolation method. Evaluation of the results was based on the percentage of Correctly Extrapolated Pixels (CEP), which were derived from a confusion matrix. The percentage of CEP was 26% when the 15 single classes of the hydromorphy association type were considered separately. The percentage of CEP rose up to 65% after grouping the hydromorphy association types into three practically combined categories. It could be demonstrated that the extrapolation technique applied represented an objective and relatively fast and cost‐effective method to obtain an area‐wide MMK mapping.
Rates of decomposition and phosphorus release from organic residues related to residue composition
Authors: Jalali Mohsen , Ranjbar Faranak
Published: February 2009

The use of organic residues might be appropriate in maintaining long‐term P requirement of crops. Eight plant residues and two manures in a wide range of C : N ratios were incubated for 12 weeks at 25°C, during which the processes of decomposition and formation of acid‐extractable P (P release) were assessed. Residues were incubated moist in bags and inoculated with a soil suspension. The exponential model was found to be suitable to describe decomposition and P‐release rates from residues. There were two distinct parts of P release in each time curve, which gave two rate constants and were calculated as the slope of each part. The rates of P release of the residues were considerably higher during the first 4 weeks of incubation than during the second phase of incubation (weeks 5–12). Phosphorus release by residues was similar to the decomposition pattern. The residue P content was correlated with P release, but not with decomposition rate. Mass loss and release of P were greater from sunflower and wheat residues than from sheep manure, suggesting that a high C : N ratio does not necessarily retard decomposition. The model parameters of P release were derived which are suitable to estimate the P‐fertilizer effect of organic residues. Our results suggest that the use of organic residues as a source for short‐ and long‐term P supply for crops should be encouraged.
Relationship of soil phosphorus with uranium in grassland mineral soils in Ireland using soils from a long‐term phosphorus experiment and a National Soil Database
Authors: Tunney Hubert , Stojanović Mirjana , Mrdaković Popić Jelena , McGrath David , Zhang Chaosheng
Published: February 2009

Phosphorus fertilizer contains contaminants that may increase the content in the soil and in plants. The relationship between soil P and soil uranium (U) was investigated to determine potential effects of P‐fertilizer use. This study is based on a long‐term experiment (38 years with 0, 15, and 30 kg fertilizer P ha–1 y–1) for beef production on grassland at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Ireland and also on soils from a National Soil Database (NSD). The NSD soils were taken at fixed locations on a predetermined grid system at the density of one sample every 50 km2. Of the 1310 samples in the NSD, the 760 grassland mineral soils were selected for this study. The aim was to determine to what extent P fertilizer increases the content of U in the soil. The results showed that there was a small but significant increase in soil U in the high‐P treatments, which contained high levels of soil P, in the long‐term field experiment. The results from the NSD showed that there was not a significant relationship between extractable (Morgan's) soil test P (STP) and U. It is concluded that the use of chemical P fertilizer at normal rates used in agriculture in Ireland is not a major threat to U content of soil based on the results of this study. There was a significant relationship between total P and STP, in the NSD, with the latter making up approx. 1% of the former. Soil available P increased with soil pH, probably reflecting the use of chemical P fertilizer and lime on agricultural soils.
In situ monitoring of solid‐state transition of p‐aminobenzoic acid polymorphs using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Xia , Wang Xiujuan , Ching Chi Bun
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of solid‐state polymorphic transition of p‐aminobenzoic acid (PABA) using in situ Raman spectroscopy measurement. The polymorphic transition experiments were conducted on a micro quartz vessel mounted on a microscope, hot and cold stage, under isothermal conditions. The temperature was precisely controlled by a standalone temperature controller equipped with liquid nitrogen cooling system. The Raman spectroscopy probe was positioned on the surface of the solid sample in the micro vessel. The polymorphic transition progression was in situ monitored and recorded by Raman spectroscopy. Based on the polymorphic transition rate resulted from the quantitative analysis of Raman spectra, the mechanism of solid‐state polymorphic transition of PABA was examined by various empirical kinetic models. An Arrhenius analysis was also performed to calculate activation energies from 134.7 kJ mol−1 to 137.7 kJ mol−1 for the transition. The results demonstrated that in situ Raman spectroscopy is a valuable and accurate technique to probe polymorphic transition process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl sulphate mineral jáchymovite (UO2)8(SO4)(OH)14· 13H2O
Authors: Čejka Jiří , Frost Ray L. , Sejkora Jiří , Keeffe Eloise C.
Published: February 2009

Raman spectra of jáchymovite, (UO2)8(SO4)(OH)14·13H2O, were studied, complemented with infrared spectra, and compared with published Raman and infrared spectra of uranopilite, [(UO2)6(SO4)O2(OH)6(H2O)6]·6H2O. Bands related to the stretching and bending vibrations of (UO2)2+, (SO4)2−, (OH)− and water molecules were assigned. UO bond lengths in uranyl and OH· · ·O hydrogen bond lengths were calculated from the Raman and infrared spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal properties of connective tissue in breast and leg muscles of chickens and turkeys
Authors: Voutila Liisa , Ruusunen Marita , Jouppila Kirsi , Puolanne Eero
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: There is a need to characterise connective tissue of chicken and turkey as they can be involved in meat defects. This study focused on the content and thermal stability of intramuscular connective tissue. A comparison between breast and leg muscles and between 38‐day‐old chickens (Ross 502) and 110‐111‐day‐old turkeys (Nicholas 300) commercially produced in Finland was made.

RESULTS: Collagen content of breast muscles was lower than that of leg muscles (approx. 2.4 mg g−1 vs. 4.0 mg g−1, respectively, P < 0.05), but collagen content was similar in chickens and turkeys. The percentage of soluble collagen in chicken muscles was higher than that in turkey muscles (P < 0.05). In chickens, more soluble collagen was found in leg muscles than in breast muscles (P < 0.05). Chicken breast muscles had higher onset temperature of thermal shrinkage (To) of intramuscular connective tissue than turkey breast muscles (P < 0.05). Chicken leg muscles had higher peak temperature of thermal shrinkage (Tp) of intramuscular connective tissue than turkey leg muscles (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Chickens and turkeys had similar collagen content and To and Tp despite the species, age and muscle difference. However, the higher collagen solubility in chickens than in turkeys indicated that collagen was less matured in chickens than in turkeys. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Genomic profiling of breast cancer
Authors: Pandey Anjita , Singh Alok Kumar , Maurya Sanjeev Kumar , Rai Rajani , Tewari Mallika , Kumar Mohan , Shukla Hari S.
Published: February 2009

Genome study provides significant changes in the advancement of molecular diagnosis and treatment in Breast cancer. Several recent critical advances and high‐throughput techniques identified the genomic trouble and dramatically accelerated the pace of research in preventing and curing this malignancy. Tumor‐suppressor genes, Proto‐oncogenes, DNA‐repair genes, Carcinogen‐metabolism genes are critically involved in progression of breast cancer. We reviewed imperative finding in breast genetics, ongoing work to segregate further susceptible genes, and preliminary studies on molecular profiling. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:386–392. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy in women with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: Is there any prognostic value?
Authors: Fregnani José Humberto Tavares Guerreiro , de Oliveira Latorre Maria do Rosário Dias , Novik Pablo Roberto , Lopes Ademar , de Oliveira Júnea Cáris , Tsunoda Audrey Tieko , Soares Fernando Augusto
Published: February 2009

Background and Objectives

Some authors states that the removal of lymph node would only contribute towards assessing the lymph node status and regional disease control, without any benefit for the patients' survival. The aim of this paper was to assess the influence of the number of surgically dissected pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) on disease‐free survival.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study on 42 women presenting squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix, with metastases in PLN treated by radical surgery. The Cox model was used to identify risk factors for recurrence. The model variables were adjusted for treatment‐related factors (year of treatment, surgical margins and postoperative radiotherapy). The cutoff value for classifying the lymphadenectomy as comprehensive (15 PLN or more) or non‐comprehensive (<15 PLN) was determined from analysis of the ROC curve.

Results

Fourteen recurrences (32.6%) were recorded: three pelvic, eight distant, two both pelvic and distant, and one at an unknown location. The following risk factors for recurrence were identified: invasion of the deep third of the cervix and number of dissected lymph nodes <15.

Conclusions

Deep invasion and non‐comprehensive pelvic lymphadenectomy are possible risk factors for recurrence of SCC of the uterine cervix with metastases in PLN. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:252–257. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.