bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mothers, Extraordinary Labor, and Amacasual: Law and Politics of Nonstandard Employment in the South African Retail Sector
Authors: KENNY BRIDGET
Published: February 2009

This article examines changing social meaning embodying legal categories of nonstandard employment within South African retailing between the 1950s and the postapartheid period. Using archival and interview material, the article shows how trade unions constructed part‐time and casual employment through gendered, class, and racial meanings to produce two very different legal categories. Black workers’ rights claims in the 1980s developed within these changing socio‐legal parameters. The image of the full‐time permanent worker became political agent, and in the postapartheid period, increasing numbers of casual workers became marginalized from the union. The relationship between rights and regulation gives us a more complex way of understanding worker politics.
Subthalamic deep brain stimulation and impulse control in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hälbig T. D. , Tse W. , Frisina P. G. , Baker B. R. , Hollander E. , Shapiro H. , Tagliati M. , Koller W. C. , Olanow C. W.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Experimental studies suggest that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) induces impulsivity in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to assess various measures of impulse control in PD patients with STN DBS in comparison to patients receiving medical therapy.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional evaluation, 53 consecutively eligible patients were assessed for impulsivity with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, for impulse control disorders (ICDs) using the Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview, and for obsessive–compulsive symptoms using the Maudsley Obsessional‐Compulsive Inventory.

Results:  Independent samples t‐tests revealed that compulsivity scores were not different between DBS patients and patients without DBS. However, impulsivity scores were significantly higher in DBS patients. Additionally, ICDs were observed in 3 of 16 (19%) DBS patients and in 3 of 37 (8%) medically treated patients. No association was found between the use of dopamine agonists and impulsivity in DBS patients.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest that screening for impulsivity and ICDs should be performed prior to DBS, and that patients should be monitored for these problems during follow‐up. Prospective trials are needed to confirm the findings of this exploratory study and to elucidate the reasons of a possible induction of impulsivity by STN DBS.
Increased levels of inflammatory chemokines in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kuhle J. , Lindberg R. L. P. , Regeniter A. , Mehling M. , Steck A. J. , Kappos L. , Czaplinski A.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is classically assumed to be a neurodegenerative disorder. Inflammation has been observed in CNS tissue in ALS patients. We investigated the expression and prognostic relevance of proinflammatory chemokines in ALS.

Methods:  We analyzed nine chemokines, eotaxin, eotaxin‐3, IL‐8, IP‐10, MCP‐1, MCP‐4, macrophage derived chemokine (MDC), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β), and serum thymus and activation‐ regulated chemokine (TARC) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 20 ALS‐ and 20 non‐inflammatory neurological disease (NIND)‐patients.

Results:  MCP‐1 and IL‐8 levels in CSF in ALS were significantly higher than in NIND (1304 pg/ml vs. 1055 pg/ml, P = 0.013 and 22.7 pg/ml vs. 18.6 pg/ml, P = 0.035). The expression of MCP‐1 and IL‐8 were higher in CSF than in serum (P < 0.001). There was a trend towards higher MCP‐1 CSF levels in ALS patients with shorter time between first symptoms and diagnosis (r = −0.407; P = 0.075).

Conclusions:  We confirmed previous findings of increased MCP‐1 levels in CSF of ALS patients. Furthermore, increased levels of IL‐8 in CSF suggest a stimulation of a proinflammatory cytokine cascade after microglia activation. We found a tendency for higher MCP‐1 values in patients with a shorter diagnostic delay, who are known to have also a shorter survival. This may suggest an association of higher MCP‐1 levels with rapidly progressing disease.
Caste Discrimination: A Twenty‐First Century Challenge for UK Discrimination Law?1
Authors: Waughray Annapurna
Published: February 2009

Discrimination based on caste affects at least 270 million people worldwide, mostly in South Asia. Caste as a system of social organisation has been exported from its regions of origin to diaspora communities such as the UK, yet despite the prohibition of caste‐based discrimination in international human rights law caste is not recognised as a ground of discrimination in English law. The overhaul of its equality framework and the proposed new single equality act present the UK with an opportunity to align national legislation with international law obligations. The Government's decision not to include protection against caste discrimination in the new legislation leaves race and religion as the only possible legal ‘homes’ for caste. This article considers the argument for legal recognition of caste discrimination in the UK, the capacity of race and religion to subsume caste as a ground of discrimination, and the role and limitations of law in addressing ‘new’ forms of discrimination such as casteism.
Otto Kahn‐Freund and Collective Laissez‐Faire: An Edifice without a Keystone?
Authors: Dukes Ruth
Published: February 2009

This paper describes Otto Kahn‐Freund's advocacy of the British ‘collective laissez‐faire’ system of regulation of industrial relations, in which regulation proceeded autonomously of the state. It suggests that a weakness of collective laissez‐faire as a normative principle was its failure to make adequate provision for the furtherance of the public interest. It links this failure to a more general reluctance, on the part of Kahn‐Freund, to conceive of the state as representative of the public interest. And it seeks to explain this reluctance with reference to Kahn‐Freund's experiences of living and working as a labour court judge in the Weimar Republic, and of moving to the UK as a refugee from Nazism.
New Labour's PPI Reforms: Patient and Public Involvement in Healthcare Governance?
Authors: Vincent‐Jones Peter , Hughes David , Mullen Caroline
Published: February 2009

Following a first wave of reform at the beginning of the decade, the system of patient and public involvement in healthcare governance is being further overhauled under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The current reforms reflect a significant shift in dominant political discourse from an earlier concern with patient and public involvement towards a more exclusive focus on consumer choice and economic regulation, with collective voice and citizen participation at best playing a subordinate part in the government's NHS modernisation agenda. While there is some potential for increased responsiveness in the new arrangements, the overall effect is likely to be a weakening of the foundations of democratic decision making in the governance of healthcare in England.
Resisting the Long Arm of Criminal Antitrust Laws: Norris v The United States
Authors: Whelan Peter
Published: February 2009

This note analyses the judgment of the House of Lords in the case Norris v USA, and argues that its ruling on whether mere price‐fixing can amount to a common law conspiracy to defraud will have a significant effect on both US and UK criminal anti‐cartel enforcement. In particular, the potential negative impact of the judgment on the future viability of the UK Cartel Offence is highlighted.
Failing to Protect: Victims' Rights and Police Liability
Authors: Burton Mandy
Published: February 2009

In the light of the House of Lords decisions in Van Colle and Smith this commentary considers whether victims can truly be said to have ‘rights’ without effective remedies for police inaction. It also considers the implications for ineffective police responses to domestic violence, especially cases culminating in domestic homicide.
Diversity in trade union membership: a typology based on the study of a Spanish trade union
Authors: Alós Ramon , Jódar Pere , Martí Joel , Artiles Antonio Martín , Ortiz Luis
Published: February 2009

While existing literature on the changing nature of trade union membership concentrates on unidimensional differences between members, this article proposes a multidimensional typology, which considers demographic characteristics as well as labour market position and length of union membership. Our results allow the identification of different member profiles; these are significantly associated to differences in employment conditions, work participation, job satisfaction and union activism. In the last section of the article, we discuss the practical implications that these different member profiles may have for union policy and organisation.
Financial reporting and disclosure requirements for trade unions: a comparison of UK and US public policy
Authors: Lund John
Published: February 2009

The underlying policy objectives and the degree to which they are served by current trade union financial reporting and disclosure regimes in the US and the UK are examined in this article, along with a detailed comparison of the government oversight agencies, annual disclosure forms and member access to union financial records.
Employability enhancement through formal and informal learning: an empirical study among Dutch non‐academic university staff members
Authors: Van Der Heijden Beatrice , Boon Jo , Van Der Klink Marcel , Meijs Ely
Published: February 2009

Although learning is generally perceived as a way to improve employees' current job performance, so far, no research has been conducted to explore the possible relationships between formal and informal learning, on the one hand, and employability, on the other. Though contemporary views stress the importance of the job as a powerful learning site, considerable research evidence underpinning these views is lacking. This paper goes into the impact of formal and informal learning upon employability. The influence of employee characteristics and organizational factors is also taken into account. An e‐questionnaire was used to collect data among 215 Dutch non‐academic university staff members. Our findings emphasize the necessity of Human Resource Development strategies that encompass a mix of formal and informal learning opportunities. In particular, participation in networks appears to be an important predictor for employability. With the outcomes of this study, we aim to contribute to the further development of theoretical insights regarding employability enhancement through learning possibilities embedded in the workplace. It seems that strategies that focus exclusively on enhancing informal on‐the‐job learning should not be encouraged. Our study is limited to one context and further research is required to investigate the generalizability of the findings to other occupations and/or countries.
Cross‐Listing and Operating Performance: Evidence from Exchange‐Listed American Depositary Receipts
Authors: Charitou Andreas , Louca Christodoulos
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  In this paper we examine the operating performance of non‐US firms that enter major US stock exchanges using American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs. Our dataset consists of 108 capital‐raising and non‐capital‐raising firms from twenty four countries, cross‐listed on major US stock exchanges during the period 1994–2004. We provide evidence that capital‐raising cross‐listed firms experience improvements in their operating performance after the listing, relative to a non‐cross‐listed matched sample of firms and relative to the pre‐listing period, whereas non‐capital‐raising cross‐listed firms out‐perform a non‐cross‐listed matched sample of firms for both the pre‐listing and the post‐listing periods. These results suggest that the type of ADR program conveys information about changes in the post‐listing operating performance. Moreover, both capital‐raising and non‐capital‐raising cross‐listed firms have positive abnormal returns due to the cross‐listing and these abnormal returns are positively related with the post‐listing abnormal changes in operating performance, suggesting that the market anticipates the post‐listing abnormal changes in operating performance. Results are robust after adjusting for various firm and country risk characteristics.
What do aqueous geothermometers really tell us?
Authors: FERGUSON G. , GRASBY S. E. , HINDLE S. R.
Published: February 2009

The application of chemical geothermometry to shallow groundwaters or spring discharge assumes that there is minimal mixing or re‐equilibration of water as it travels from depth to the surface. In this study, we examine the potential for mixing and re‐equilibration by examining heat and fluid flow along crustal‐scale faults in tectonic geothermal systems. Numerical modeling results indicate that maximum in situ temperatures could be under‐predicted by up to 30% due to mixing of fluids that enter the fault at different depths. This, coupled with the depression of isotherms by downward groundwater flow in the hanging wall, could cause underestimates of maximum circulation depth of greater than 80% in extreme cases. Kinetics does not favor re‐equilibration in the shallower portions of faults due to low temperatures and higher fluid velocities. However, in areas of deeper circulation or higher heat flow such reactions are possible.
Management measures to control a feline leukemia virus outbreak in the endangered Iberian lynx
Authors: López G. , López‐Parra M. , Fernández L. , Martínez‐Granados C. , Martínez F. , Meli M. L. , Gil‐Sánchez J. M. , Viqueira N. , Díaz‐Portero M. A. , Cadenas R. , Lutz H. , Vargas A. , Simón M. A.
Published: February 2009

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that affects domestic cats all over the world. Its pathogenic effects generally include anemia, immunosuppression or tumors. Dissemination over populations is linked to cat sociality, because the virus is transmitted by direct contact. Although the domestic cat is its common host, FeLV infection has also been described in some wild felids. In the Iberian lynxLynx pardinus, some sporadic FeLV infection cases have been reported since 1994, but an outbreak with the involvement of several animals has never been described until now. During spring 2007, an FeLV outbreak hit the Doñana (SW Spain) population. The infection rapidly spread throughout the densest subpopulation throughout Doñana. Infected animals showed very acute anemic disease, most of them dying in <6 months. To avoid FeLV dissemination, a control program was carried out that included removal of viremic lynxes, vaccination of negative individuals and reduction of the feral cat population. The program was implemented both in Doñana and in Sierra Morena populations. In Doñana, around 80% of the total lynx population and 90% of the outbreak focus subpopulation were evaluated. Seven out of the 12 infected individuals found died and two reverted to latency; the remaining viremic animals have been kept in captivity. The outbreak appears to have been successfully confined to the subpopulation where the virus appeared and no more cases have been found since August 2007. In the larger Sierra Morena population, 8% of the lynx population was surveyed. Thirty‐four uninfected Iberian lynxes were vaccinated at least once. The FeLV prevalence was found to be 27% in the Doñana population and 0% in the Sierra Morena population.
Anti‐amnesic properties of (±)‐PPCC, a novel sigma receptor ligand, on cognitive dysfunction induced by selective cholinergic lesion in rats
Authors: Antonini Vuokko , Prezzavento Orazio , Coradazzi Marino , Marrazzo Agostino , Ronsisvalle Simone , Arena Emanuela , Leanza Giampiero
Published: February 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009)109, 744–754.

Previous studies have reported that selective sigma‐1 agonists may improve cognitive abilities in experimental animals possibly via a cholinergic mechanism. However, the issue of a direct action on to sigma‐1 receptors in memory‐related brain areas has been much less investigated. The newly synthetised compound methyl(1R,2S/1S,2R)‐2‐[4‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylpiperidin‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1‐(4‐methylphenyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate [(±)‐PPCC] has recently been shown to possess high affinity for the sigma‐1 receptor where it specifically acts as an agonist. Here, the functional effects of (±)‐PPCC were investigated in rat models of mild or severe cognitive dysfunction based on a sub‐total (≤ 70–80%) or complete (≥ 90–95%) central cholinergic depletion induced by different doses of the selective immunotoxin 192 IgG‐saporin injected intraventricularly. At 5–6 weeks post‐surgery, the lesioned animals exhibited dose‐dependent deficits in reference memory, as assessed using the Morris water maze task, whereas working memory abilities, evaluated using the radial arm water maze task, appeared equally impaired in the two dose groups. Daily treatment with (±)‐PPCC significantly improved both reference and working memory performance in all lesioned animals but it did not affect intact or sham‐lesioned subjects. In a separate test, treatment with (±)‐PPCC reversed the learning deficits induced by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine sulphate in both control and mild‐lesioned rats. The effect was blocked in lesioned, but not normal animals by pre‐treatment with the sigma‐1 antagonistN‐[2‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)ethyl]‐N‐methyl‐2‐(dimethylamino)ethylamine. The results suggest that (±)‐PPCC may efficiently ameliorate perturbed cognitive abilities, and that these anti‐amnesic effects most probably occur via a direct interaction of the compound with sigma‐1 receptors.
Enriched environment protects the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and induces astroglial reaction in the 6‐OHDA rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Anastasía Agustín , Torre Luciana , De Erausquin Gabriel A. , Mascó Daniel H.
Published: February 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 755–765.

Enriched environment (EE) is neuroprotective in several animal models of neurodegeneration. It stimulates the expression of trophic factors and modifies the astrocyte cell population which has been said to exert neuroprotective effects. We have investigated the effects of EE on 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced neuronal death after unilateral administration to the medial forebrain bundle, which reaches 85–95% of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra after 3 weeks. Continuous exposure to EE 3 weeks before and after 6‐OHDA injection prevents neuronal death (assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase staining), protects the nigrostriatal pathway (assessed by Fluorogold retrograde labeling) and reduces motor impairment. Four days after 6‐OHDA injection, EE was associated with a marked increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein staining and prevented neuronal death (assessed by Fluoro Jade‐B) but not partial loss of tyrosine hydroxylase staining in the anterior substantia nigra. These results robustly demonstrate that EE preserves the entire nigrostriatal system against 6‐OHDA‐induced toxicity, and suggests that an early post‐lesion astrocytic reaction may participate in the neuroprotective mechanism.
Surveillance protocols for management of invasive plants: modelling Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) in Australia
Authors: Fox J. C. , Buckley Y. M. , Panetta F. D. , Bourgoin J. , Pullar D.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To develop a surveillance support model that enables prediction of areas susceptible to invasion, comparative analysis of surveillance methods and intensity and assessment of eradication feasibility. To apply the model to identify surveillance protocols for generalized invasion scenarios and for evaluating surveillance and control for a context‐specific plant invasion.

Location  Australia.

Methods  We integrate a spatially explicit simulation model, including plant demography and dispersal vectors, within a Geographical Information System. We use the model to identify effective surveillance protocols using simulations of generalized plant life‐forms spreading via different dispersal mechanisms in real landscapes. We then parameterize the surveillance support model for Chilean needle grass [CNG; Nassella neesiana (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth], a highly invasive tussock grass, which is an eradication target in south‐eastern Queensland, Australia.

Results  General surveillance protocols that can guide rapid response surveillance were identified; suitable habitat that is susceptible to invasion through particular dispersal syndromes should be targeted for surveillance using an adaptive seek‐and‐destroy method. The search radius of the adaptive method should be based on maximum expected dispersal distances. Protocols were used to define a surveillance strategy for CNG, but simulations indicated that despite effective and targeted surveillance, eradication is implausible at current intensities.

Main conclusions  Several important surveillance protocols emerged and simulations indicated that effectiveness can be increased if they are followed in rapid response surveillance. If sufficient data are available, the surveillance support model should be parameterized to target areas susceptible to invasion and determine whether surveillance is effective and eradication is feasible. We discovered that for CNG, regardless of a carefully designed surveillance strategy, eradication is implausible at current intensities of surveillance and control and these efforts should be doubled if they are to be successful. This is crucial information in the face of environmentally and economically damaging invasive species and large, expensive and potentially ineffective control programmes.
Contrasted impacts of climate change on stream fish assemblages along an environmental gradient
Authors: Buisson Laëtitia , Grenouillet Gaël
Published: February 2009

Aim  To investigate the potential impacts of climate change on stream fish assemblages in terms of species and biological trait diversity, composition and similarity.

Location  One‐thousand one‐hundred and ten stream sections in France.

Methods  We predicted the future potential distribution of 35 common stream fish species facing changes in temperature and precipitation regime. Seven different species distribution models were applied and a consensus forecast was produced to limit uncertainty between single‐models. The potential impacts of climate change on fish assemblages were assessed using both species and biological trait approaches. We then addressed the spatial distribution of potential impacts along the upstream–downstream gradient.

Results  Overall, climate change was predicted to result in an increase in species and trait diversity. Species and trait composition of the fish assemblages were also projected to be highly modified. Changes in assemblages’ diversity and composition differed strongly along the upstream–downstream gradient, with upstream and midstream assemblages more modified than downstream assemblages. We also predicted a global increase in species and trait similarity between pairwise assemblages indicating a future species and trait homogenization of fish assemblages. Nevertheless, we found that upstream assemblages would differentiate, whereas midstream and downstream assemblages would homogenize. Our results suggested that colonization could be the main driver of the predicted homogenization, while local extinctions could result in assemblage differentiation.

Main conclusions  This study demonstrated that climate change could lead to contrasted impacts on fish assemblage structure and diversity depending on the position along the upstream–downstream gradient. These results could have important implications in terms of ecosystem monitoring as they could be useful in establishing areas that would need conservation prioritization.
Antegrade pulsatile arterial‐like flow in human limb veins at increased intravascular pressure
Authors: Kölegård Roger , Eiken Ola
Published: February 2009

Aim:  The purpose was to study the effects of moderately to markedly increased local intravascular pressures on the flow characteristics in human limb veins.

Methods:  The subject was either seated inside a pressure chamber with one arm slipped through a hole in the chamber door (n = 7) or positioned supine with a lower leg extended to the outside (n = 15). By increasing chamber pressure, transmural pressure in the vessels of the test limb was increased up to +150 mmHg for the arm and +240 mmHg for the leg. Venous flow profiles and arterial flow and vessel diameters were measured with ultrasonographic/Doppler techniques. The arm vessels were studied before and during blocking of the blood flow (BBF) through the hand.

Results:  Antegrade, pulsatile, arterial‐like flow were observed at high distending pressures in the brachial and radial veins in all subjects and in ∼50% of the subjects also in the cephalic vein and posterior tibial veins. In five of seven subjects, blood flow in the brachial vein remained pulsatile even during BBF.

Conclusion:  That pulsatile flow was observed in all veins may suggest that moderately to markedly elevated intravascular pressures induce propagation of pulse waves from the arteries via the capillaries to the veins, and/or induce considerable arteriovenous shunting, by forcing open arteriovenous anastomoses.
Assessing the Effects of Maternal Symptoms and Homelessness on the Mental Health Problems in their Children
Authors: Harpaz‐Rotem Ilan , Rosenheck Robert A. , Desai Rani
Published: February 2009

Objective:  This study examines the longitudinal association between measures of child well being and maternal posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, homelessness, substance abuse, and other psychiatric conditions.

Method:  A sample of 142 mothers who were veterans of the US armed forces were assessed at program entry and every three months thereafter for one year. A repeated‐measures with mixed‐effects analytic strategy was used to assess the association of children’s mental health, school enrolment and attendance with measures of maternal psychiatric symptoms and homelessness.

Results:  Significant associations between mothers’ psychiatric symptoms and child well‐being were identified. However, the multivariable mixed‐models suggest that increased depression and anxiety symptoms among children were associated primarily with mothers’ PTSD, and not depression, symptoms.

Conclusions:  These findings provide evidence of an association between maternal and child mental health and may suggest that treating maternal PTSD symptoms may also benefit children, regardless of whether the child was also exposed to the traumatic experience.
Working with Children Affected by Hurricane Katrina: Two Case Studies in Play Therapy
Authors: Dugan Erin M. , Snow Marilyn S. , Crowe Sindy R.
Published: February 2009

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast Regions. Throughout history, mental health professionals have primarily focused on adults as the identified victims of natural disasters. More recently, mental health professionals are focused on integrating mental health services to children and adolescents. This article discusses the impact natural disasters have on children, and the related traumatic stress response and post traumatic stress disorder often experienced by children. Treating children can be complicated and a developmentally appropriate intervention is needed. Evidenced‐based research has shown play therapy to be a developmentally effective intervention with traumatised children. This article presents two case studies of play therapy with children affected by Hurricane Katrina.
INVESTORS ADJUST EXPECTATIONS AROUND SELL‐SIDE ANALYST REVISIONS IN IPO RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Bagchee Deepika
Published: February 2009

In this article I compare investor response to sell‐side analyst recommendation revisions of initial public offering (IPO) firms in the first three years after issue with that of a benchmark control sample of firms that have been public longer. I test whether investors in IPO firms adjust their initially optimistic expectations as information about new issues is released and uncertainty is resolved. In support of my hypothesis that investors adjust expectations downward, I find abnormally negative returns around analyst revisions of IPO firm recommendations. Additionally, I find the effect of analyst revisions on long‐run performance of IPO firms is economically significant.
HEDGE FUND SURVIVAL: NON‐NORMAL RETURNS, CAPITAL OUTFLOWS, AND LIQUIDITY
Authors: Baba Naohiko , Goko Hiromichi
Published: February 2009

We analyze the factors that influence the survival probability of hedge funds reported in the Lipper TASS database. Particular emphasis is placed on (1) non‐normality of returns and assets under management (AUM), (2) short‐term capital outflows, and (3) liquidity constraints associated with a hedge fund's cancellation policy. Estimation results using the Cox proportional hazards model and the panel logit model show that (1) funds with lower skewness in returns and AUM, (2) funds experiencing instantaneous rapid capital outflows, and (3) funds with a shorter redemption notice period and a higher redemption frequency have significantly higher liquidation probabilities, among others.
A role of myocardial stiffness in cell‐based cardiac repair: a hypothesis
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Sun Aijun , Liang Yanyan , Chen Qinyi , Zhang Chunyu , Wang Keqiang , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2009

Determining which time point is optimal for bone marrow‐derived cell (BMC) transplantation for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has attracted a great deal of attention. Studies have verified the interaction between cell treatment effect and transfer timing and have suggested that the optimal time frame for BMC therapy is day 4 to day 7 after AMI. However, the potential mechanism underlying the time‐dependent therapeutic response remains unclear. Recently, a growing body of in vitro evidence has suggested that stem cells are able to feel and respond to the stiffness of their microenvironment to commit to a relevant lineage, indicating that soft matrices that mimic brain are neurogenic, stiffer matrices that mimic muscle are myogenic and comparatively rigid matrices that mimic collagenous bone prove osteogenic. Simultaneously, considering the fact that the myocardium post‐infarction experiences a time‐dependent stiffness change from flexible to rigid as a result of myocardial remodelling following tissue necrosis and massive extracellular matrix deposition, we presume that the myocardial stiffness within a certain time frame (possibly day 4–7) post‐AMI might provide a more favourable physical microenvironment for the phenotypic plasticity and functional specification of engrafted BMCs committed to some cell lineages, such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells or cardiomyocytes. The beneficial effect facilitates angiogenesis and myocardiogenesis in the infarcted heart, and subsequently leads to more amelioration of cardiac functions. If the present hypothesis were true, it would be of great help to understand the mechanism underlying the optimal timing for BMC transplantation and to establish a direction for the time selection of cell therapy.
Loss of IKKβ activity increases p53 stability and p21 expression leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Yang Pei‐Ming , Huang Wei‐Chien , Lin Yi‐Chu , Huang Wen‐Yu , Wu Hui‐Ann , Chen Wei‐Lun , Chang Yu‐Fan , Chou Chia‐Wei , Tzeng Cherng‐Chyi , Chen Yeh‐Long , Chen Ching‐Chow
Published: February 2009

Elevated levels of NF‐κB are frequently detected in many inflammatory diseases and cancers. Blocking the IKK–NF‐κB pathway has been seen as a promising approach for new therapies. By employing the dominant‐negative mutant of IKKβ, our data revealed that loss of IKKβ activity reduces not only the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro but also the tumour formation, metastasis and angiogenesis in mouse xenograft model. Treatment of IKKβ inhibitors (CYL‐19s and CYL‐26z) leads to the arrest of cell cycle progression at G1 and G2/M, followed by apoptosis. IKKβ inhibitors can increase the protein stability, nuclear accumulation and promoter‐binding activity of p53, leading to the p21 gene transcription. Furthermore, knockdown of IKKβ by siRNA increased the stability and expression of p53 and p21 promoter activity. In addition, IKKβ inhibitor–induced p53 and p21 expressions were augmented in the presence of IKKβ siRNA. Correlation between p53 acetylation and its protein stabilization was also seen after treatment with IKKβ inhibitors. These results suggest that loss of IKKβ activation is important for the enhancement of p53 stability, leading to p21 expression and cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of tumour cells.
HSP70 interacts with TRAF2 and differentially regulates TNFα signalling in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Dai Shengming , Jiang Lijun , Wang Guisheng , Zhou Xiangyang , Wei Xiaomou , Cheng Hongge , Wu Zhen , Wei Dong
Published: February 2009

Members of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family usually trigger both survival and apoptotic signals in various cell types. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are conserved proteins implicated in protection of cells from stress stimuli. However, the mechanisms of HSPs in TNFα‐induced signalling pathway have not been fully elucidated. We report here that HSP70 over‐expression in human colon cancer cells can inhibit TNFα‐induced NFκB activation but promote TNFα‐induced activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) through interaction with TNF receptor (TNFR)‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2). We provide evidence that HSP70 over‐expression can sequester TRAF2 in detergent‐soluble fractions possibly through interacting with TRAF2, leading to reduced recruitment of receptor‐interacting protein (RIP1) and IκBα kinase (IKK) signalosome to the TNFR1–TRADD complex and inhibited NFκB activation after TNFα stimuli. In addition, we found that HSP70–TRAF2 interaction can promote TNFα‐induced JNK activation. Therefore, our study suggests that HSP70 may differentially regulate TNFα‐induced activation of NFκB and JNK through interaction with TRAF2, contributing to the pro‐apoptotic roles of HSP70 in TNFα‐induced apoptosis of human colon cancer cells.
Evaluation of the VITEK 2 cards for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of non‐glucose‐fermenting Gram‐negative bacilli
Authors: HSIEH WEN‐SHYANG , SUNG LING‐LING , TSAI KUN‐CHOU , HO HSIN‐TSUNG
Published: February 2009

We evaluated VITEK 2 cards (NGNC and AST‐GN10) for the accuracy of identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of non‐glucose‐fermenting Gram‐negative bacilli (NGF‐GNB). In a total of 201 strains, 190 strains (94.5%) were correctly identified, seven strains (3.5%) showed low discrimination, four strains (2.0%) had discrepancies, and no strain remained unidentified. Reference AST of amikacin, aztreonam, cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, levofloxacin, piperacillin‐tazobactam, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole was performed by the agar dilution method. Approximately 82.5% of ID and 72.9% of AST were completed within 7 and 14 h, respectively. For NGF‐GNB, other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and the Burkholderia cepacia group, essential agreements (EAs) were 93.6–100.0%. Severe disagreements (resistant by the reference method to susceptible by AST‐GN10) were observed for amikacin (0.9%), cefepime (1.8%), cefotaxime (1.8%), imipenem (0.9%), and piperacillin‐tazobactam (0.9%). One major disagreement (susceptible to resistant) was observed for ceftazidime (0.1%). For P. aeruginosa, EAs were 85.7–100%, with severe disagreements observed for cefepime (4.8%) and piperacillin‐tazobactam (4.8%). For Acinetobacter spp., EAs were 86.4–100% without disagreements. The VITEK 2 cards appear to be promising for rapid ID and reliable AST for most species of NGF‐GNB.
Differential expression of LAMPs and ubiquitin in human thymus
Authors: SARAFIAN VICTORIA S. , MARINOVA TSVETANA T. , GULUBOVA MAYA V.
Published: February 2009

Lysosome‐associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 (LAMP‐1 and LAMP‐2) are implicated in a variety of normal and pathological processes. LAMP‐2 is proposed to participate in chaperone‐mediated autophagy. Autophagy regulates T‐lymphocyte homeostasis by promoting both survival and proliferation. The biological importance of this process in the thymic gland and especially the involvement of LAMPs are far from being elucidated. The aim of the study was to examine the parallel expression of LAMPs and ubiquitin, a key molecule in autophagy, in normal human thymic glands and thymomas. The immunohistochemical expression of both markers was compared with that of cyclin D1 – an important regulator of cell cycle progression. Novel evidence for differential expression of LAMPs and ubiquitin is presented. Most Hassal's corpuscules in thymoma were negative for LAMPs, but positive in normal thymus. Both lymphocytes and epithelial cells in pathological thymus showed higher intensity for LAMP‐2 compared with LAMP‐1. In thymoma, ubiquitin was more intensively positive in these cell types compared with the normal thymus, suggesting activated autophagy in the course of this pathological state. A deregulation in cyclin D1 expression in thymoma is also reported. The functional importance of these molecules in autoghagy accompanying normal and pathological processes in the thymic gland is reviewed.
Immunoreactivity of corticotropin‐releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone in alopecia areata
Authors: Kim Hei Sung , Cho Dae Ho , Kim Hee Jung , Lee Jun Young , Cho Baik Kee , Park Hyun Jeong
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Psychological factors are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA), a frequently encountered hair disorder. In our study, statistically significant elevation of psychological stress was felt by AA patients prior hair loss compared with control, which was strongly believed contributory to hair loss (t‐test, P < 0.01). The corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA have been identified in the basal layer of the epidermis and pilosebaceous units of the normal scalp. And with the recent discovery of melanocytes and dermal fibroblasts capable of corticosterone production, the presence of a local stress response system resembling the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been suggested. The local stress response system is involved in regulation of the normal hair cycle, but its precise role in AA is unknown. The influence of a local HPA axis or rather, CRH–POMC axis in AA was investigated by analysing immunohistochemically the expression levels of CRH and POMC peptides, including the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), in a number of AA lesions and normal scalp (as control). The epidermis and pilosebaceous units of normal scalp stained weakly with CRH, ACTH and α‐MSH, whereas those from the affected sites of the AA group showed intense expression of the peptides (chi‐square test, P < 0.01). The meaning of this enhanced expression and their role in the pathogenesis of AA should be further evaluated in future.
Placental retention in a bonobo (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Halbwax Michel , Mahamba Crispin Kamate , Ngalula Anne‐Marie , André Claudine
Published: February 2009

Background  This case report describes the first placental retention in an 11‐year‐old female bonobo (Pan paniscus) following the delivery of a healthy infant.

Methods  After unsuccessful medical treatment with oxytocin, the placenta was manually extracted.

Results and conclusions  Both the dam and infant survived.
The apical region of developing tooth root constitutes a complex and maintains the ability to generate root and periodontium‐like tissues
Authors: Xu L. , Tang L. , Jin F. , Liu X.‐H. , Yu J.‐H. , Wu J.‐J. , Yang Z.‐H. , Wang Y.‐X. , Duan Y.‐Z. , Jin Y.
Published: February 2009

Background and Objective:  Mammalian tooth root development is a long‐term process during which root elongates along the apical direction and is accompanied with the formation of periodontium. Considering the heterogeneous apical region of developing root as a functional entity, we observed and characterized the developing apical complex of rat molar root. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics and developmental capability of developing apical complex in situ and in vitro.

Material and Methods:  Histological analysis of rat developing apical complex was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Cell counting, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, flow cytometry assays and western blot analyses were performed to assess the proliferation potential of developing apical complex cells in vitro, and its mineralization potential was investigated by alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. In vivo transplantation of both developing apical complex tissues and cells were used to characterize the differentiation capacity of developing apical complex cells. Dental pulp cells were used as a control in this study.

Results:  Isolated developing apical complex maintained the developmental capability to form tooth root/periodontal complex ectopically. Developing apical complex cells exhibited relatively higher proliferation and mineralization potential compared with dental pulp cells in culture. When cultured developing apical complex cells were putatively depleted of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath cells, only osteodentin‐like tissues and fibrous connective tissues formed in cell‐scaffold explants.

Conclusion:  The sustainable development ability of developing apical complex qualifies it as the growth center of tooth root and as a promising candidate source of cells for tooth root and periodontal regeneration.
Multipotency of clonal cells derived from swine periodontal ligament and differential regulation by fibroblast growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein
Authors: Shirai K. , Ishisaki A. , Kaku T. , Tamura M. , Furuichi Y.
Published: February 2009

Background and Objective:  A blood supply is indispensable for the regeneration of damaged or lost periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue. Mesenchymal stem cell‐like activity of cells derived from the PDL has been identified by their capacity to form fibrous and osseous tissue and cementum. However, it remains to be clarified whether the cells have an ability to build the capillary network of blood vessels. This study evaluated the potential of cells derived from the PDL to construct a blood vessel‐like structure and examined how growth factors controlled the multipotency of the cells.

Material and Methods:  The ability of a swine PDL fibroblast cell line, TesPDL3, to construct a blood vessel‐like structure was evaluated on and in the self‐assembling peptide scaffold, PuraMatrixTM. In addition, the ability of the cells to form mineralized nodules was evaluated on type I collagen‐coated plastic plates. In some cases, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2 were added to these cultures. The status of the expression of vascular and osteoblastic cell‐specific markers in the cells was evaluated using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results:  The TesPDL3 cells not only formed mineralized nodules in response to BMP‐2 stimulation but also constructed tube‐like structures in response to FGF‐2 stimulation. Intriguingly, FGF‐2 inhibited the BMP‐2‐induced formation of mineralized nodules. Conversely, BMP‐2 inhibited the FGF‐2‐induced formation of tube‐like structures.

Conclusion:  Periodontal ligament fibroblasts have the potential to differentiate not only into osteoblastic but also into vascular cell lineages. The destiny of the cells was reciprocally regulated by BMP‐2 and FGF‐2.
Ledging and blockage of root canals during canal preparation: causes, recognition, prevention, management, and outcomes
Authors: LAMBRIANIDIS THEODOROS
Published: February 2009

Ledge formation, that is the iatrogenically created irregularity in the root canal that impedes access of instruments to the apex, and canal blockage caused by packing dentin chips and/or tissue debris are the least‐studied parameters of root canal instrumentation. Variables associated with ledge formation and canal blockage by dentin chips and/or tissue debris are presented. Emphasis is given to their most common causes, recognition, management, prognosis, and prevention.
Development and sequelae of canal transportation
Authors: SCHÄFER EDGAR , DAMMASCHKE TILL
Published: February 2009

Instrumentation of curved root canals is still a challenge even for skilled and experienced operators. During shaping of these canals, canal transportation, straightening, or canal deviation may occur. This paper describes different preparation outcomes as possible results of canal transportation, and the action of different root canal instruments when used in curved canals, and provides an overview of current in vitro and in vivo studies assessing canal transportation. In the second part of this paper, the clinical consequences of canal transportation such as insufficient cleaning and over‐reduction of radicular dentin are addressed. Finally, based on currently available evidence, the impact of canal transportation on the clinical outcome of root canal treatment is discussed.
Missed anatomy: frequency and clinical impact
Authors: CANTATORE GIUSEPPE , BERUTTI ELIO , CASTELLUCCI ARNALDO
Published: February 2009

It is generally accepted that a major cause of the failure of root canal therapy is an inability to localize and treat all of the canals of the root canal system. The risk of missing anatomy during root canal treatment is high because of the complexity of the root canal system. All categories of teeth may have extra roots and/or canals, but the likelihood of finding aberrant canal configurations is higher in premolars and molars. In addition, lateral ramifications of the root canal system may be present in all teeth with a significant frequency, increasing the probability of leaving untreated spaces after root canal therapy. Prevention of missed anatomy starts with good pre‐operative radiographs, even though radiographs have limitations in assessing the number of canals and the presence of accessory canals and anastomoses. A correct access cavity preparation is of central importance in localizing the orifices of the root canals. However, to find hidden canals, an adequate armamentarium is required; the dental operating microscope and/or high‐power loupes, used in conjunction with a headlight system, will provide enhanced lighting and visibility, whereas ultrasonic tips and long shank round burs with small shaft diameters will allow a controlled and delicate removal of calcifications and other interferences to the canal orifices. The impact of missed anatomy on the outcome of endodontic treatment is difficult to assess, and the literature on this subject is limited; a promising approach for future investigation may be a comparison of the number of canals found in failed treatment cases and after re‐treatment. The clinical impact of missed anatomy can be clearly demonstrated with a large number of re‐treatment case reports available in the literature; in the majority of these cases, failure of endodontic therapy is associated with untreated canal space. Localization and treatment of this missed anatomy typically leads to complete clinical and radiographic healing.