bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Differences in Obese Youth’s Perception of Health Care and Weight Loss
Authors: Ratcliff Megan Benoit , Bishop-Gilyard Chanelle T. , Reiter-Purtill Jennifer , Zeller Meg H.
Published: August 2010

Within the United States, minority youth are at greater risk of becoming overweight/obese and are less likely to receive preventive health care. The authors examined several domains of preventive health care perceptions among persistently overweight/obese white and black adolescents. A total of 55 youth (29 white, 26 black) who had previously sought weight management treatment participated in a follow-up study 4 years later ( Myears = 4.2 ± 0.8). All participants remained overweight (5% at the 85th-94th BMI percentiles) or obese (95% ≥95th BMI percentile), with no significant difference in weight by race. Relative to whites, blacks perceived greater physician concern about and counseling regarding weight ( Pconcern < .01; Pcounsel < .01), eating habits( Pconcern < .001; Pcounsel < .01), and physical activity ( Pconcern < .001; Pcounsel < .05). Although whites reported knowing more weight-related comorbidities than blacks, there were no group differences in number of weight loss methods attempted ( Mmethods = 7.5 ± 2.7). Overall, there were no group differences in perceptions of risk. Physicians may be appropriately focusing efforts on educating black youth, but knowledge and behavior gaps persist.
Activity and Dietary Habits of Mothers and Children: Close Ties
Authors: Greenberg Robert S. , Ariza Adolfo J. , Binns Helen J.
Published: August 2010

Objective. To examine associations between activity and dietary habits reported by mothers for themselves and their children aged 2 to 11 years. Design/Methods. Cross-sectional, consecutive samples of parents at 13 primary care practices were surveyed on health behaviors. Survey questions were used to define 5 “healthy” habits: low-fat milk choice; low fast food use; low weekend screen time; low juice/sweet drinks intake; and high-frequency physical activity. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were applied. Results. Responses from a socioeconomically diverse group of 2115 mothers were analyzed. For each healthy behavior self-reported by the mother, the odds of the healthy behavior being reported for the child were significantly higher (range: odds ratio [OR] = 3.2 for high-frequency physical activity to OR = 19.7 for low-fat milk choice). Conclusions. Mothers and children often have similar health habits. The impact of clinician counseling for children may be strengthened by promotion of healthy habits for their mothers.
A Treatment Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation in Breast-fed Infants: Universal Supplementation Is Not Necessary for Rickets Prevention in Southern Louisiana
Authors: Ponnapakkam Tulasi , Bradford Elease , Gensure Robert
Published: August 2010

This study was conducted to determine if vitamin D supplementation is required to prevent rickets in breast-fed infants. Breast-feeding rates are increasing, and there are concerns about whether the vitamin D content of breast milk is sufficient. There are a few treatment trials of vitamin D supplementation in breast-fed infants; these were conducted in northern climates. The authors therefore performed a prospective clinical trial comparing vitamin D supplementation with placebo as control in southern Louisiana. Blood samples and questionnaires were collected at birth, 2, 4, and 6 months of age. There were no cases of rickets observed, and no differences in alkaline phosphatase levels between groups. Thus, there was no evidence that vitamin D supplementation reduced rickets risk in the authors’ study population. This suggests that the current recommendations for universal vitamin D supplementation of breast-fed infants throughout the United States may need to be revised.
Neoplasia and Granulomas Surrounding Microchip Transponders in Damaraland Mole Rats (Cryptomys damarensis)
Authors: Sura R. , French R. A. , Goldman B. D. , Schwartz D. R.
Published: August 2010

Damaraland mole rats ( Cryptomys damarensis) are among the longest-living rodents, with a maximum longevity of approximately 16 years. As one of the few mammals termed eusocial, these animals have been used in behavioral, genetic, metabolic, and physiologic research at the University of Connecticut since 1997. For individual identification at 3 to 4 months of age, mole rats were subcutaneously implanted with microchip transponders (11 mm in length) in the dorsal cervical region. In 2007, 2 of the 90 implanted adults, 10-year-old and 9-year-old females, developed subcutaneous masses at the site of the implant. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed amelanotic melanoma and fibrosarcoma, respectively, with metastasis of the amelanotic melanoma. In 2008, a total of 3 adult males were castrated as part of a sex behavior study; 3 months later, all 3 castrated males developed subcutaneous masses around their implants, whereas none of the noncastrated males had masses. After an additional 9 months, these masses were found to be granulomas. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of neoplasia in this species. Both the tumors and the granulomas surrounded the microchip transponder.
Responding to environmental change: A new age for human geography?
Authors: O'Brien Karen
Published: August 2010

This progress report discusses the role that human geography can potentially play in a paradigm shift in global environmental change research. As the global discourse shifts from understanding and explaining environmental problems to addressing them quickly and effectively, there is a need to integrate insights from the social sciences and humanities into a new science of global change — a science that recognizes subjectivity and emphasizes the notion of change, including transformational social change. Four themes are presented as examples of why and how human geographers might lead in the development of this new science.
Disputes and Going Concerns in an Institution for “Troublesome” Boys
Authors: Wästerfors David
Published: August 2010

Everett C. Hughes’s classic concept of a “going concern” should stand for both entire institutions and for chains of activities within institutions. In this article the author explores this expanded version of Hughes’s concept to show how staff and residents in a youth care setting interweave everyday concerns—meals, lessons, breaks, meetings, or other mundane but concerted projects—with interpersonal disputes. The author thereby offers a more nuanced understanding of how antagonist actors in institutions invoke daily affairs. The author also raises questions about the conditions under which adults can impose concerns for youth in care to preserve social order and the conditions under which youth can make trouble to criticize adults’ imposed concerns.
Situational realism, critical realism, causation and the charge of positivism
Authors: Hibberd Fiona J.
Published: August 2010

The system of realist philosophy developed by John Anderson — situational realism — has recently been dismissed as ‘positivist’ by a prominent critical realist. The reason for this dismissal appears not to be the usual list of ideas deemed positivist, but the conviction that situational realism mistakenly defends a form of actualism, i.e. that to conceive of causal laws as constant conjunctions reduces the domain of the real to the domain of the actual. This is, in part, a misreading of Anderson’s philosophy because, contrary to Hume’s constant conjunction account, Anderson viewed causation as pluralistic and non-linear. However, the critical realist charge does point to two important ontological differences between these realist philosophies — a levels-of-reality thesis and the notion of causal powers. Situational realism has always maintained that the arguments for both lead to difficulties that are logically insurmountable. Unfortunately, this is not addressed in the critical realists’ dismissal of Anderson’s philosophy. Regardless of who makes the charge of positivism, it frequently involves inattention to the real character of its target.
Reflections on the concept of ‘precursor’: Juan de Vilanova and the discovery of Altamira
Authors: Moro Abadía Oscar , Pelayo Francisco
Published: August 2010

Considering the case of Juan de Vilanova y Piera, often celebrated as the first scientist to accept the prehistoric antiquity of palaeolithic paintings, we explore some of the problems related to the concept of ‘precursor’ in the field of the history of science. In the first section, we propose a brief history of this notion focusing on those authors who have reflected critically on the meaning of predecessors. In the second section, the example of Vilanova illustrates the ways in which historians of science have created precursors. From the vantage of modern science, precursors have traditionally been defined as those who first indicated or announced ideas or theories later accepted by the scientific community. As a result, they have been represented as ‘heroes’ struggling hard to defeat the ignorance of their time. As the case of Juan de Vilanova illustrates, this traditional view is unsatisfactory in many ways. For this reason we consider in the third section a number of methodological strategies to promote a more adequate approach to pioneers. In particular, we suggest that the best way to surmount hagiographical approaches to past scientists is to put them in their own intellectual and historical contexts.
Elevated levels of human beta-defensin 2 and human neutrophil peptides in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vordenbäumen S. , Fischer-Betz R. , Timm D. , Sander O. , Chehab G. , Richter J. , Bleck E. , Schneider M.
Published: August 2010

Objective: Defensins are immunomodulatory peptides and components of the innate immune response. They have been shown to be modulated in various disease states and in response to inflammatory stimuli. Recently, alpha-defensins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In order to explore whether these defensins may have a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we sought to determine whether altered expression can be found in SLE patients.

Material and Methods: Serum and EDTA-blood of 50 SLE patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (aged 41.4 ± 13.3 years) and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were collected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction with gene-specific primers for human neutrophil peptides (HNPs), human beta-defensin 2 and 3 (hBD2, 3) in isolated polymorphonuclear cells and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum samples were performed. Results of SLE patients were compared with the control group and correlated to routine laboratory parameters, clinical data and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Results: SLE patients were predominantly female (90%) with a mean SLEDAI of 5.7 ± 6.1. In sera, patients displayed higher amounts of hBD2 and HNPs when compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, hBD2 correlated with levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies, erythrocyte count and the SLEDAI. Elevated values were observed in patients with myositis (n = 4). Serum HNPs on the other hand correlated with the neutrophil count and was elevated in patients with a rash (n = 7). Lupus patients suffering from transverse myelitis (n = 3) had raised serum-values of both HNPs and hBD2. While no mRNA of hBD2 or hBD3 was detected in polymorphonuclear cells, HNP mRNA was found in both healthy controls and patients without significant difference. Lupus nephritis and rash were associated with higher amounts of HNP mRNA, and the relative amount of copies correlated positively with the SLEDAI and negatively with C3 measurements.

Conclusions: Serum levels of hBD2 and HNPs are elevated in SLE. The correlations of hBD2 and HNPs to established disease activity parameters and distinct clinical situations suggest that innate immune mechanisms are activated. Defensins may be involved in SLE pathogenesis.
Facilitating Knowledge Building in Teams: Can a New Team Training Strategy Help?
Authors: Rentsch Joan R. , Delise Lisa A. , Salas Eduardo , Letsky Michael P.
Published: August 2010

Problem-solving teams composed of members possessing unique knowledge tend to be ineffective because of impediments that limit information sharing, including the sampling advantage of common information and differential schema structures among team members. Teams using a team training strategy aimed at ameliorating these impediments were expected to experience knowledge building and high performance. Data were collected from 40 teams of three co-located members, which were randomly assigned to a training or control condition. All teams completed a realistic military-based hidden profile problem-solving task. Teams in the training condition were trained to build knowledge using an information board (which served as a knowledge object) accompanied with schema-enriched communication. Teams in the control condition operated as typical co-located problem-solving teams and did not use an information board or receive the training. All hypotheses were supported. Teams experiencing the training strategy had higher knowledge transfer, interoperable knowledge, cognitive congruence, and performance than control teams. The training strategy appears to be effective in aiding teams to ameliorate communication impediments. Apparently, teams externalized their knowledge by communicating aspects of their schemas for task knowledge and visually representing and collaboratively structuring that knowledge.
Goals, Strategies, and Group Performance: Some Limits of Goal Setting in Groups
Authors: Van Mierlo Heleen , Kleingeld Ad
Published: August 2010

Based on Mitchell and Silver’s (1990) tower-building paradigm, the authors performed two experiments on multilevel quantity goals, strategies, and performance in task-interdependent groups. The study compared four goal types: IG (individual goal), GG (group goal), IG + GG (individual + group goal), and NSG (nonspecific goal). IG yielded low cooperation and performance, whereas, unexpectedly, NSG yielded high cooperation and performance. To explain this finding, we discerned two goal-setting components: Goal referent (performance-level targeted; individual/group) and goal specificity. Mediation analyses suggest that referent triggers a cooperation/competition mechanism, explaining the lower IG performance, whereas specificity triggers a speed/ accuracy mechanism, explaining the higher NSG performance. We conclude that individual goals can interfere with cooperative processes and group performance, and, for time-constrained interdependent tasks requiring speed and accuracy, specific difficult quantity goals may promote risk taking, thereby obstructing goal attainment.
Two-Dimensional Structure of Team Process Improvement: Team Reflection and Team Adaptation
Authors: Wiedow Annika , Konradt Udo
Published: August 2010

Work group literature has recently focused on team process improvement, which refers to a learning process within the team, including the review of recent work methods and objectives and the development of alternative working strategies. Until now, however, no systematic empirical effort has been undertaken to empirically explore the dimensionality of team process improvement, although a dual focus, namely, team reflection and team adaptation, is theoretically accepted. The authors thus examined a two-dimensional structure of team process improvement by distinguishing team reflection and team adaptation in two studies using an experimental and a field design. Confirmatory factor analyses results of both studies provide evidence for the hypothesized two-dimensional structure of team process improvement. Additionally, the field study of organizational teams show that team reflection and team adaptation predict team performance to some extent.
Neglected Children, Shame-Proneness, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Bennett David S. , Sullivan Margaret Wolan , Lewis Michael
Published: August 2010

Neglected children may be at increased risk for depressive symptoms. This study examines shame-proneness as an outcome of child neglect and as a potential explanatory variable in the relation between neglect and depressive symptoms. Participants were 111 children (52 with a Child Protective Services [CPS] allegation of neglect) seen at age 7. Neglected children reported more shame-proneness and more depressive symptoms than comparison children. Guilt-proneness, in contrast, was unrelated to neglect and depressive symptoms, indicating specificity for shame-proneness. The potential role of shame as a process variable that can help explain how some neglected children exhibit depressive symptoms is discussed.
Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Health Care: Dropping Off the Face of the Earth
Authors: Harris Michael A. , Freeman Kurt A. , Duke Danny C.
Published: August 2010

The challenges faced by the young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult health care services are numerous and often daunting. They include characteristics of the patient and their family, pediatric and adult treatment teams, and institutional and health care systems policies. Although recognition of the issues and problems of transition has increased during the past decade, meaningful systematic changes have not occurred. Herein, the authors provide the background and general information necessary to better understand the difficulties associated with transition that affect many young adults. The challenges of transition are systematically presented and organized by patient, family, pediatric treatment team, adult treatment team, and institutional and system issues. Recommendations are provided for each of these areas, beginning with an emphasis on institutional and health care systems policy revisions that are a foundational and necessary element to build meaningful change. In addition, recommendations are provided that are specific to pediatric and adult health care teams, as well as patients and families. Suggestions are presented for needed research, and finally, conclusions and practical and applicable recommendations for pediatricians or adult health care providers are proposed.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Controversies and Common Sense
Authors: White John S. , Foreyt John P. , Melanson Kathleen J. , Angelopoulos Theodore J.
Published: August 2010

High-fructose corn syrup is often mischaracterized and misunderstood. This sweetener was introduced into the food supply in the United States in the late 1960s as a liquid sweetener alternative to sucrose and existed in relative obscurity for many years. It carries the designations “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) and “natural” from the US Food and Drug Administration. In 2004, several investigators suggested that high-fructose corn syrup might be linked to the increased prevalence of obesity in the United States. Subsequent human studies have shown no unique link between high-fructose corn syrup and obesity. In composition, high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, honey, invert sugar, and concentrated fruit juices are essentially interchangeable, and human studies to date have shown no significant differences in metabolic, endocrine, hormonal, or appetitive responses to these caloric sweeteners. This review explores the metabolic and nutritional effects of high-fructose corn syrup with a particular emphasis on its relationship to sucrose, the sweetener it replaced in many food products.
Olfactomedin 4 is a novel target gene of retinoic acids and 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine involved in human myeloid leukemia cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Wenli , Lee Hyun Woo , Liu Yueqin , Wang Ruihong , Rodgers Griffin P.
Published: August 2010

Clinical application of retinoic acids (RAs) and demethylation agents has proven to be effective in treating certain myeloid leukemia patients. However, the target genes that mediate these antileukemia activities are still poorly understood. In this study, we identified olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), a myeloid-lineage–specific gene from the olfactomedin family, as a novel target gene for RAs and the demethylation agent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. We demonstrated that the retinoic acid receptor alpha/retinoic X receptor alpha heterodimer binds to a retinoic acid response-element (DR5) site in the OLFM4 promoter and mediates all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)–induced transactivation of the OLFM4 gene. OLFM4 overexpression in HL-60 cells led to growth inhibition, differentiation, and apoptosis, and potentiated ATRA induction of these effects. Conversely, down-regulation of endogenous OLFM4 in acute myeloid leukemia-193 cells compromised ATRA-induced growth inhibition, differentiation, and apoptosis. Overexpression of OLFM4 in HL-60 cells inhibited constitutive and ATRA-induced phosphorylation of the eukaryote initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), whereas down-regulation of OLFM4 protein in acute myeloid leukemia-193 cells increased 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, suggesting that OLFM4 is a potent upstream inhibitor of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation/deactivation. Thus, our study demonstrates that OLFM4 plays an important role in myeloid leukemia cellular functions and induction of OLFM4-mediated effects may contribute to the therapeutic value of ATRA.
Rationale and efficacy of interleukin-1 targeting in Erdheim–Chester disease
Authors: Aouba Achille , Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Pagnoux Christian , Martin Silva Nicolas , Renand Amédée , Galateau-Salle Françoise , Le Toquin Sophie , Bensadoun Henri , Larousserie Frederique , Silvera Stéphane , Provost Nicole , Candon Sophie , Seror Raphaèle , de Menthon Mathilde , Hermine Olivier , Guillevin Loïc , Bienvenu Boris
Published: August 2010

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) pathophysiology remains largely unknown. Its treatment is not codified and usually disappointing. Interferon (IFN)-α therapy lacks efficacy for some life-threatening manifestations and has a poor tolerance profile. Because interleukin (IL)-1Ra synthesis is naturally induced after stimulation by IFN-α, we hypothesized that recombinant IL-1Ra (anakinra) might have some efficacy in ECD. We treated 2 patients who had poor tolerance or contraindication to IFN-α with anakinra as a rescue therapy and measured their serum C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, and monocytic membranous IL-1α (mIL-1α) levels before, under, and after therapy. Another untreated ECD patient and 5 healthy subjects were enrolled as controls. After treatment, fever and bone pains rapidly disappeared in both patients, as well as eyelid involvement in one patient. In addition, retroperitoneal fibrosis completely or partially regressed, and C-reactive protein, IL-6, and mIL-1α levels decreased to within the normal and control range. Beside injection-site reactions, no adverse event was reported. Therefore, our results support a central role of the IL-1 network, which seemed to be overstimulated in ECD. Its specific blockade using anakinra thereby opens new pathophysiology and therapeutic perspectives in ECD.
Monozygotic twins with Neurofibromatosis type 1, concordant phenotype and synchronous development of MPNST and metastasis
Authors: Melean German , Hernández Alba Marina , Valero María Carmen , Hernández-Imaz Elisabete , Martín Yolanda , Hernández-Chico Concepción
Published: August 2010

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common autosomal dominant disorder with full penetrance and variable expression. The condition predisposes individuals to the development of malignant nervous system tumours, most frequently Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours (MPNSTs). Previous studies indicate that genetic factors other than mutations in NF1 may be responsible for the condition's variable expression.

Case report

Here we present data from a pair of monozygotic twins affected by Neurofibromatosis type 1 resulting from a de novo mutation. Both twins developed a left sciatic plexiform neurofibroma that evolved into MPNST at a similar age and they also developed pulmonary metastasis at the same age. Other concordant traits between the twins were: macrocephaly, psychomotor delay, café-au-lait spots, cutaneous neurofibromas, retroperitoneal, pleural and paraspinal neurofibromas. The main discordant features observed were tibial pseudoarthrosis, pectus carinatum, osteoporosis and thymus hyperplasia.

Conclusions

This is the first report of monozygotic twins with Neurofibromatosis type 1 that develop MPNSTs, the localization and chronological evolution of which, and its metastasis, is concordant in both twins. These cases suggest that the events involved in the transformation of benign plexiform neurofibromas to MPNSTs in Neurofibromatosis type 1, follow a spatiotemporally programme that is influenced by heritable factors other than NF1 mutations.
Resveratrol-induced cytotoxicity in human Burkitt's lymphoma cells is coupled to the unfolded protein response
Authors: Yan Ying , Gao Yan-Yan , Liu Bao-Qin , Niu Xiao-Fang , Zhuang Ying , Wang Hua-Qin
Published: August 2010

Background

Resveratrol (RES), a natural phytoalexin found at high levels in grapes and red wine, has been shown to induce anti-proliferation and apoptosis of human cancer cell lines. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are at present only partially understood.

Method

The effects of RES on activation of unfolded protein responses (UPR) were evaluated using Western blotting, semi-quantitative and real-time RT-PCR. Cell death was evaluated using Annexin V/PI staining and subsequent FACS.

Results

Similar as tunicamycin, treatment with RES lead to the activation of all 3 branches of the UPR, with early splicing of XBP-1 indicative of IRE1 activation, phosphorylation of eIF2α consistent with ER resident kinase (PERK) activation, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) splicing, and increase in expression levels of the downstream molecules GRP78/BiP, GRP94 and CHOP/GADD153 in human Burkitt's lymphoma Raji and Daudi cell lines. RES was shown to induce cell death, which could be attenuated by thwarting upregulation of CHOP.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that activation of the apoptotic arm of the UPR and its downstream effector CHOP/GADD153 is involved, at least in part, in RES-induced apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cells.
Adoptive transfer of splenocytes to study cell-mediated immune responses in hepatitis C infection using HCV transgenic mice
Authors: Naas Turaya , Ghorbani Masoud , Soare Catalina , Scherling Nicole , Muller Rudy , Ghorbani Peyman , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco
Published: August 2010

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and a health problem affecting over 170 million people around the world. We previously studied transgenic mice that express HCV Core, Envelope 1 and Envelope 2 proteins predominantly in the liver, resulting in steatosis, liver and lymphoid tumors, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, the immune-mediated cell response to hepatitis C antigens was evaluated by adoptive transfers of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) labelled splenocytes from HCV immunized mice into HCV transgenic mice.

Results

In comparison to non-transgenic mice, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of CFSE-labeled CD4+and CD8+T cells in transgenic mouse peripheral blood receiving adoptive transfers from immunized donors. Moreover, the percentage of CFSE-labeled CD4+and CD8+T cells were significantly higher in the spleen of transgenic and non-transgenic mice when they received splenocytes from non-immunized than from immunized mice. On the other hand, the percentages of CD4+and CD8+T cells in the non-transgenic recipient mouse lymph nodes were significantly higher than the transgenic mice when they received the adoptive transfer from immunized donors. Interestingly, livers of transgenic mice that received transfers from immunized mice had a significantly higher percentage of CFSE labeled T cells than livers of non-transgenic mice receiving non-immunized transfers.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the T cells from HCV immunized mice recognize the HCV proteins in the liver of the transgenic mouse model and homed to the HCV antigen expression sites. We propose using this model system to study active T cell responses in HCV infection.
Generation of a panel of antibodies against proteins encoded on human chromosome 21
Authors: Wiseman Frances K , Sheppard Olivia , Linehan Jacqueline M , Brandner Sebastian , Tybulewicz Victor LJ , Fisher Elizabeth MC
Published: August 2010

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of all or part of chromosome 21. To further understanding of DS we are working with a mouse model, the Tc1 mouse, which carries most of human chromosome 21 in addition to the normal mouse chromosome complement. This mouse is a model for human DS and recapitulates many of the features of the human syndrome such as specific heart defects, and cerebellar neuronal loss. The Tc1 mouse is mosaic for the human chromosome such that not all cells in the model carry it. Thus to help our investigations we aimed to develop a method to identify cells that carry human chromosome 21 in the Tc1 mouse. To this end, we have generated a panel of antibodies raised against proteins encoded by genes on human chromosome 21 that are known to be expressed in the adult brain of Tc1 mice

Results

We attempted to generate human specific antibodies against proteins encoded by human chromosome 21. We selected proteins that are expressed in the adult brain of Tc1 mice and contain regions of moderate/low homology with the mouse ortholog. We produced antibodies to seven human chromosome 21 encoded proteins. Of these, we successfully generated three antibodies that preferentially recognise human compared with mouse SOD1 and RRP1 proteins on western blots. However, these antibodies did not specifically label cells which carry a freely segregating copy of Hsa21 in the brains of our Tc1 mouse model of DS.

Conclusions

Although we have successfully isolated new antibodies to SOD1 and RRP1 for use on western blots, in our hands these antibodies have not been successfully used for immunohistochemistry studies. These antibodies are freely available to other researchers. Our data high-light the technical difficulty of producing species-specific antibodies for both western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
Early results on the use of biomaterials as adjuvant to abdominal wall closure following cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Boutros Cherif , Somasundar Ponandai , Espat N Joseph
Published: August 2010

Background

Hyperthermic chemotherapy applies thermal energy to both abdominal wall as well as the intra-abdominal viscera. The combination of the hyperthemia, chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is associated with a defined risk of abdominal wall and intestinal morbidity reported to be as high as 15%, respectively to date, no studies have evaluated the use of biomaterial mesh as adjuvant to abdominal wall closure in this group of patients. In the present report, we hypothesized that post HIPEC closure with a biomaterial can reduce abdominal wall morbidity after CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

All patients treated with HIPEC in a tertiary care center over 12 months (2008-2009) period were included. Eight patients received cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC for 90 minutes using Mitomycin C (15 mg q 45 minutes × 2). Abdominal wall closure was performed using Surgisis (Cook Biotech.) mesh in an underlay position with 3 cm fascial overlap-closure. Operative time, hospital length of stay (LOS) as well as postoperative outcome with special attention to abdominal wall and bowel morbidity were assessed.

Results

Eight patients, mean age 59.7 ys (36-80) were treated according to the above protocol. The primary pathology was appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma (n = 3) colorectal cancer (n = 3), and ovarian cancer (n = 2). Four patients (50%) presented initially with abdominal wall morbidity including incisional ventral hernia (n = 3) and excessive abdominal wall metastatic implants (n = 1). The mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 8.75. Twenty eight CRS were performed (3.5 CRS/patient). The mean operating time was 6 hours. Seven patients had no abdominal wall or bowel morbidity, the mean LOS for these patients was 8 days. During the follow up period (mean 6.3 months), one patient required exploratory laparotomy 2 weeks after surgery and subsequently developed an incisional hernia and enterocutaneous fistula.

Conclusion

The use of biomaterial mesh in concert with HIPEC enables the repair of concomitant abdominal wall hernia and facilitates abdominal wall closure following the liberal resection of abdominal wall tumors. Biomaterial mesh prevents evisceration on repeat laparotomy and resists infection in immunocompromised patients even when associated with bowel resection.
What happened after the initial global spread of pandemic human influenza virus A (H1N1)? A population genetics approach
Authors: Martinez-Hernandez Fernando , Jimenez-Gonzalez Diego Emiliano , Martinez-Flores Arony , Villalobos-Castillejos Guiehdani , Vaughan Gilberto , Kawa-Karasik Simon , Flisser Ana , Maravilla Pablo , Romero-Valdovinos Mirza
Published: August 2010

Viral population evolution dynamics of influenza A is crucial for surveillance and control. In this paper we analyzed viral genetic features during the recent pandemic caused by the new influenza human virus A H1N1, using a conventional population genetics approach based on 4689 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences available in GenBank submitted between March and December of 2009. This analysis showed several relevant aspects: a) a scarce initial genetic variability within the viral isolates from some countries that increased along 2009 when influenza was dispersed around the world; b) a worldwide virus polarized behavior identified when comparing paired countries, low differentiation and high gene flow were found in some pairs and high differentiation and moderate or scarce gene flow in others, independently of their geographical closeness, c) lack of positive selection in HA and NA due to increase of the population size of virus variants, d) HA and NA variants spread in a few months all over the world being identified in the same countries in different months along 2009, and e) containment of viral variants in Mexico at the beginning of the outbreak, probably due to the control measures applied by the government.
Menthol Response and Adaptation in Nociceptive-Like and Nonnociceptive-Like Neurons: Role of Protein Kinases
Authors: Sarria Ignacio , Gu Jianguo
Published: August 2010

Menthol-sensitive/capsaicin-insensitive neurons (MS/CI) and menthol-sensitive/capsaicin-sensitive neurons (MS/CS) are thought to represent two functionally distinct populations of cold-sensing neurons that use TRPM8 receptors to convey innocuous and noxious cold information respectively. However, TRPM8-mediated responses have not been well characterized in these two neuron populations. Using rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, here we show that MS/CI neurons had larger menthol responses with greater adaptation. In contrast, MS/CS neurons had smaller menthol responses with less adaptation. All menthol-sensitive neurons showed significant reduction of menthol responses following the treatment of cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator PDBu (Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate). PDBu-induced reduction of menthol responses was completely abolished in the presence of PKC inhibitors BIM (bisindolylmaleimide) or staurosporine. When menthol responses were examined in the presence of protein kinase inhibitors, it was found that the adaptation was significantly attenuated by either BIM or staurosporine and also by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CamKII) inhibitor KN62 (N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine) in MS/CI neurons. In contrast, in MS/CS neurons menthol response was not affected significantly by BIM, staurosporine or KN62. In both MS/CI and MS/CS neurons, the menthol responses were not affected by PKA activators forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP (8-Bromoadenosine-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate) or by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp-cAMPs (Rp-Adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate). Taken together, these results suggest that TRPM8-mediated responses are significantly different between non-nociceptive-like and nociceptive-like neurons.
Gender specific quality of life in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Maciejewski Oliver , Smeets Ralf , Gerhards Frank , Kolk Andreas , Kloss Frank , Stein Jamal M , Kasaj Adrian , Koch Felix , Grosjean Maurice , Riediger Dieter , Yekta Sareh Said
Published: August 2010

Background

The goal of this study was to evaluate the somatic and psychological effects by means of QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) of surgical treatment of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The factors gender, age, nicotine consumption, and tumour stage were taken into consideration.

Methods

54 patients after surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) were analysed from 01.09.2005 to 31.05.2008. Inclusion criteria for the study were: age at least 18 years, no indication or treatment of synchronous and metachronous tumours.

German translations of the EORTC H&N-35 and EORTC QLQ-C-30 questionnaires, as well as a general socioeconomic patient history were used as measuring instruments. The questionnaires were completed independently by the patients. The answers were translated into scale values for statistical evaluation using appropriate algorithms.

Results

Analysis of the EORTC-QLQ-C-30 questionnaires demonstrated a tendency of more negative assessment of emotional function among the female participants, and a more negative evaluation of social function among the male participants. Greater tumour sizes showed significantly lower bodily function (p = 0.018). While a smaller tumour size was significantly associated with lower cognitive functioning (p = 0.031). Other cofactors such as age, nicotine consumption, and tumour stage only showed a tendency to influence the quality of sleep and daily life.

Conclusions

The data obtained within this investigation demonstrated that gender had the most significant power on the subjectively perceived postoperative quality of life. This factor is important e.g. in preoperative decision making regarding immediate microvascular reconstruction after e.g. mandibular resection and therefore QOL assessment should become integral component of the care of patients with OSCC.
Targeted identification of genomic regions using TAGdb
Authors: Marshall Daniel J , Hayward Alice , Eales Dominic , Imelfort Michael , Stiller Jiri , Berkman Paul J , Clark Terry , McKenzie Megan , Lai Kaitao , Duran Chris , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: August 2010

Background

The introduction of second generation sequencing technology has enabled the cost effective sequencing of genomes and the identification of large numbers of genes and gene promoters. However, the assembly of DNA sequences to create a representation of the complete genome sequence remains costly, especially for the larger and more complex plant genomes.

Results

We have developed an online database, TAGdb, that enables researchers to identify paired read sequences that share identity with a submitted query sequence. These tags can be used to design oligonucleotide primers for the PCR amplification of the region in the target genome.

Conclusions

The ability to produce large numbers of paired read genome tags using second generation sequencing provides a cost effective method for the identification of genes and promoters in large, complex or orphan species without the need for whole genome assembly.
Image-based quantitative determination of DNA damage signal reveals a threshold for G2 checkpoint activation in response to ionizing radiation
Authors: Ishikawa Aya , Yamauchi Motohiro , Suzuki Keiji , Yamashita Shunichi
Published: August 2010

Background

Proteins involved in the DNA damage response accumulate as microscopically-visible nuclear foci on the chromatin flanking DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). As growth of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced foci amplifies the ATM-dependent DNA damage signal, the formation of discrete foci plays a crucial role in cell cycle checkpoint activation, especially in cells exposed to lower doses of IR. However, there is no quantitative parameter for the foci which considers both the number and their size. Therefore, we have developed a novel parameter for DNA damage signal based on the image analysis of the foci and quantified the amount of the signal sufficient for G2 arrest.

Results

The parameter that we have developed here was designated as SOID. SOID is an abbreviation of Sum Of Integrated Density, which represents the sum of fluorescence of each focus within one nucleus. The SOID was calculated for individual nucleus as the sum of (area (total pixel numbers) of each focus) x (mean fluorescence intensity per pixel of each focus). Therefore, the SOID accounts for the number, size, and fluorescence density of IR-induced foci, and the parameter reflects the flux of DNA damage signal much more accurately than foci number. Using very low doses of X-rays, we performed a "two-way" comparison of SOID of Ser139-phosphorylated histone H2AX foci between G2-arrested cells and mitosis-progressing cells, and between mitosis-progressing cells in the presence or absence of ATM or Chk1/2 inhibitor, both of which abrogate IR-induced G2/M checkpoint. The analysis revealed that there was a threshold of DNA damage signal for G2 arrest, which was around 4000~5000 SOID. G2 cells with < 4000 SOID were neglected by G2/M checkpoint, and thus, the cells could progress to mitosis. Chromosome analysis revealed that the checkpoint-neglected and mitosis-progressing cells had approximately two chromatid breaks on average, indicating that 4000~5000 SOID was equivalent to a few DNA double strand breaks.

Conclusions

We developed a novel parameter for quantitative analysis of DNA damage signal, and we determined the threshold of DNA damage signal for IR-induced G2 arrest, which was represented by 4000~5000 SOID. The present study emphasizes that not only the foci number but also the size of the foci must be taken into consideration for the proper quantification of DNA damage signal.
Protection against sepsis-induced lung injury by selective inhibition of protein kinase C-δ (δ-PKC)
Authors: Kilpatrick Laurie E , Standage Stephen W , Li Haiying , Raj Nichelle R , Korchak Helen M , Wolfson Marla R , Deutschman Clifford S
Published: August 2010

Inflammation and proinflammatory mediators are activators of δ-PKC. In vitro, δ-PKC regulates proinflammatory signaling in neutrophils and endothelial and epithelial cells, cells that can contribute to lung tissue damage associated with inflammation. In this study, a specific δ-PKC TAT peptide inhibitor was used to test the hypothesis that inhibition of δ-PKC would attenuate lung injury in an animal model of ARDS. Experimental ARDS was induced in rats via 2CLP, a model of polymicrobial sepsis. Following 2CLP surgery, the δ-PKC TAT inhibitory peptide (2CLP+δ-PKC TAT in PBS) or PBS (2CLP+PBS) was administered intratracheally. Controls consisted of SO, where animals underwent a laparotomy without 2CLP. Twenty-four hours after SO or 2CLP, blood, BALF, and lung tissue were collected. 2CLP induced δ-PKC phosphorylation in the lung within 24 h. Treatment with the δ-PKC TAT inhibitory peptide significantly decreased pulmonary δ-PKC phosphorylation, indicating effective inhibition of δ-PKC activation. Plasma and BALF levels of the chemokines CINC-1 and MIP-2 were elevated in 2CLP + PBS rats as compared with SO rats. Treatment with δ-PKC TAT reduced 2CLP-induced elevations in chemokine levels in BALF and plasma, suggesting that δ-PKC modulated chemokine expression. Most importantly, intratracheal administration of δ-PKC TAT peptide significantly attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, disruption of lung architecture, and pulmonary edema associated with 2CLP. Thus, δ-PKC is an important regulator of proinflammatory events in the lung. Targeted inhibition of δ-PKC exerted a lung-protective effect 24 h after 2CLP.
Hand2 ensures an appropriate environment for cardiac fusion by limiting Fibronectin function
Authors: Garavito-Aguilar Zayra V. , Riley Heather E. , Yelon Deborah
Published: August 2010

Heart formation requires the fusion of bilateral cardiomyocyte populations as they move towards the embryonic midline. The bHLH transcription factor Hand2 is essential for cardiac fusion; however, the effector genes that execute this function of Hand2 are unknown. Here, we provide in zebrafish the first evidence for a downstream component of the Hand2 pathway that mediates cardiac morphogenesis. Although hand2 is expressed in cardiomyocytes, mosaic analysis demonstrates that it plays a non-autonomous role in regulating cardiomyocyte movement. Gene expression profiles reveal heightened expression of fibronectin 1 (fn1) in hand2 mutant embryos. Reciprocally, overexpression of hand2 leads to decreased Fibronectin levels. Furthermore, reduction of fn1 function enables rescue of cardiac fusion in hand2 mutants: bilateral cardiomyocyte populations merge and exhibit improved tissue architecture, albeit without major changes in apicobasal polarity. Together, our data provide a novel example of a tissue creating a favorable environment for its morphogenesis: the Hand2 pathway establishes an appropriate environment for cardiac fusion through negative modulation of Fn1 levels.
Novel Multi-Sonar Controller and Other Advanced Features Developed and Tested on Latis, a Smart, Remotely Operated Vehicle
Authors: Toal D , Riordan J , Thurman E , Ahmad H
Published: August 2010

This paper describes in detail a novel multi-sonar controller developed at the University of Limerick and tested on the new smart, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Latis at sea in March 2009. The multi-sonar controller allows the simultaneous operation of similar-frequency imaging and mapping sonar by interrogating the sonar returns of the multi-beam sonar in real time and adaptively triggering the pings of each sonar in a terrain-adaptive manner to avoid cross-talk and interference in sonar returns. The technique has benefits in hydrographic mapping and in payload sonar management on unmanned underwater vehicles. Detailed results on the testing of the sonar controller system are reported. The paper also describes the smart ROV Latis, designed and built at the University of Limerick, on which the sonar systems have been tested. With its advanced control systems and high-bandwidth networking capabilities, the ROV Latis is an ideal platform for experimentation of new techniques such as the multi-sonar controller, which can be ported to other ROVs and autonomous underwater vehicle platforms once proven.
Vaginismus in peri- and postmenopausal women: a pragmatic approach for general practitioners and gynaecologists
Authors: Hope Mairi E , Farmer Laura , McAllister Kay F , Cumming Grant P
Published: August 2010

Vaginismus is generally described as an involuntary contraction of the vaginal musculature, which usually results in the failure of penetration. Despite a lack of consensus as to the exact definition, prevalence rates vary between 4.2% and 42%. It is commonly diagnosed at both gynaecological and psychosexual clinics. The majority of studies and treatment options concentrate on the premenopausal age group. It is accepted that even within this age group, the diagnosis is often incorrect as symptoms can be confused with dyspareunia and other sexual pain disorders. There is no literature discussing vaginismus in the postmenopausal patient, despite evidence that an active sex life is important to the majority of women, irrespective of age. It is known that the majority of women do not report difficulties in their sex life and it may be that the older patient is more embarrassed at disclosing any such difficulties. This review aims to highlight the possible causes of vaginismus in this older age group and to aid the clinician in asking the appropriate questions, performing the appropriate examination and suggesting possible treatment options.