bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosinemia Type 1: Metastatic Hepatoblastoma With a Favorable Outcome
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Jenkner Alessandro , Francalanci Paola , Castellano Aurora , Holme Elisabeth , Callea Francesco , Dionisi-Vici Carlo
Published: June 2010

The clinical course of tyrosinemia type 1 is characterized by acute liver failure in infancy or chronic liver dysfunction and renal Fanconi syndrome in late-presenting cases. Dietary treatment may improve liver function but does not prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in late childhood. A new treatment strategy that uses 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (NTBC), which prevents the production of toxic/carcinogenic metabolites, has dramatically changed the outcome of the disease by reducing the occurrence of liver cancer, especially in patients who start this treatment before the age of 2 years. We report here the case of a patient with a diagnosis of tyrosinemia type 1 at 5 months of age who was treated with NTBC and dietary restriction and in whom a liver neoplasm with lung metastases, histologically determined to be HCC, was found at the age of 15 months. A conservative approach that consisted of chemotherapy and partial hepatectomy resulted in a 12-year disease-free period. The excellent postchemotherapy course, in sharp contrast to the expected course of HCC, led to histologic reevaluation with reclassification of the neoplasm as hepatoblastoma. A diagnosis of hepatoblastoma would no longer be a mandate for a liver transplant for patients with tyrosinemia type 1 undergoing NTBC treatment. We encourage clinicians to perform more accurate evaluation of liver histology, because a neoplastic mass in a child with tyrosinemia type 1 is not the same as HCC.
Risk Factors for Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Children in the Era of Conjugate Vaccine Use
Authors: Pilishvili Tamar , Zell Elizabeth R. , Farley Monica M. , Schaffner William , Lynfield Ruth , Nyquist Ann-Christine , Vazquez Marietta , Bennett Nancy M. , Reingold Arthur , Thomas Ann , Jackson Delois , Schuchat Anne , Whitney Cynthia G.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We conducted a case-control study to evaluate risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among children who were aged 3 to 59 months in the era of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7).

METHODS:

IPD cases were identified through routine surveillance during 2001–2004. We matched a median of 3 control subjects to each case patient by age and zip code. We calculated odds ratios for potential risk factors for vaccine-type and non–vaccine-type IPD by using multivariable conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 782 case patients (45% vaccine-type IPD) and 2512 matched control subjects. Among children who received any PCV7, children were at increased risk for vaccine-type IPD when they had underlying illnesses, were male, or had no health care coverage. Vaccination with PCV7 did not influence the risk for non–vaccine-type IPD. Presence of underlying illnesses increased the risk for non–vaccine-type IPD, particularly among children who were not exposed to household smoking. Non–vaccine-type case patients were more likely than control subjects to attend group child care, be male, live in low-income households, or have asthma; case patients were less likely than control subjects to live in households with other children.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vaccination with PCV7 has reduced the risk for vaccine-type IPD that is associated with race and group child care attendance. Because these factors are still associated with non–vaccine-type IPD risk, additional reductions in disparities should be expected with new, higher valency conjugate vaccines.
Smoking Expectancies, Weight Concerns, and Dietary Behaviors in Adolescence
Authors: Cavallo Dana A. , Smith Anne E. , Schepis Ty S. , Desai Rani , Potenza Marc N. , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to examine the association of cigarette smoking and weight concerns in adolescents, given that adolescents may begin smoking or have difficulty quitting because of their expectancies of the effects of smoking on body weight.

METHODS:

This study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 4523 Connecticut high school adolescents to assess the influence of gender, smoking intensity, and dietary-restrictive behavior on smoking-related weight concerns.

RESULTS:

Heavy smokers were significantly less likely to engage in healthy dietary restrictions than nonsmokers; however, light smokers did not differ from nonsmokers. Both light and heavy smokers were significantly more likely to engage in unhealthy dietary restriction when compared with nonsmokers. In the model that was used to examine smokers only, heavy smokers were significantly less likely to engage in healthy dietary restriction than light smokers, but smoking level was not associated with unhealthy dietary restrictions. Dietary restrictions are significantly associated with smoking-related weight concerns; however, this seems to be related to type of dietary-restrictive behavior, with greater weight concerns observed only in those smokers who engaged in unhealthy dietary restrictions and not in those who engaged in healthy dietary restrictions or no restrictions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although limited by its cross-sectional nature, the findings from this large, geographically diverse sample have clinical implications for smoking prevention and cessation interventions in adolescents.
Determinants of Anemia Among Young Children in Rural India
Authors: Pasricha Sant-Rayn , Black James , Muthayya Sumithra , Shet Anita , Bhat Vijay , Nagaraj Savitha , Prashanth N. S. , Sudarshan H. , Biggs Beverley-Ann , Shet Arun S.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:

More than 75% of Indian toddlers are anemic. Data on factors associated with anemia in India are limited. The objective of this study was to determine biological, nutritional, and socioeconomic risk factors for anemia in this vulnerable age group.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of children aged 12 to 23 months in 2 rural districts of Karnataka, India. Children were excluded if they were unwell or had received a blood transfusion. Hemoglobin, ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, retinol-binding protein, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined. Children were also tested for hemoglobinopathy, malaria infection, and hookworm infestation. Anthropometric measurements, nutritional intake, family wealth, and food security were recorded. In addition, maternal hemoglobin level was measured.

RESULTS:

Anemia (hemoglobin level < 11.0 g/dL) was detected in 75.3% of the 401 children sampled. Anemia was associated with iron deficiency (low ferritin level), maternal anemia, and food insecurity. Children's ferritin levels were directly associated with their iron intake and CRP levels and with maternal hemoglobin level and inversely associated with continued breastfeeding and the child's energy intake. A multivariate model for the child's hemoglobin level revealed associations with log(ferritin level) (coefficient: 1.20; P < .001), folate level (0.05; P < .01), maternal hemoglobin level (0.16; P < .001), family wealth index (0.02; P < .05), child's age (0.05 per month; P < .005), hemoglobinopathy (−1.51; P < .001), CRP level (−0.18; P < .001), and male gender (−0.38; P < .05). Wealth index and food insecurity could be interchanged in this model.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hemoglobin level was primarily associated with iron status in these Indian toddlers; however, maternal hemoglobin level, family wealth, and food insecurity were also important factors. Strategies for minimizing childhood anemia must include optimized iron intake but should simultaneously address maternal anemia, poverty, and food insecurity.
Morals, Process and Political Scandals: The Discursive Role of the Royal Commission in the Somalia Affair in Canada
Authors: Goldie Janis
Published: June 2010

This study was an effort to describe and understand the communication function of the Royal Commission of Inquiry in the Somalia Affair in Canada. A major political scandal in Canada, the Somalia Affair was initially marked by the torture and death of a Somali man at the hands of a Canadian soldier while on a peace enforcement mission in Somalia in 1993 and resulted in a great deal of media attention as well as the general public reproach of Canadians. After first providing an overview of Royal Commissions of Inquiry, as well as the historical and social context of the Somalia Affair within Canada, this dissertation argues that this political scandal shook the nation, in part, because it marked a moment of moral dissonance in Canada. That is, the Somalia Affair presented serious incongruities between commonly espoused Canadian values– such as peacekeeping, multiculturalism and transparency/accountability – and the actions that the Canadian soldiers undertook in Somalia. I connect the issue of moral dissonance to the commission in an attempt to answer why the commission was used in response to the moral dissonance caused by the Somalia Affair. Utilizing an in-depth case study approach to the Somalia Affair, I undertake discourse analysis on the approximately 50,000 pages of primary documentary sources from the commission as well as on the media coverage of the affair. Ultimately, I find that the commission is an appropriate space to deal with the moral dissonance that the Somalia Affair posed for two main reasons. Firstly, because it offers a space to debate, define and potentially reassert the morals that were originally transgressed. Secondly, the commission’s reliance on process and procedure works to institutionalize, rationalize and legitimize those morals that were transgressed as well as display that the political system itself operates effectively. In all, I argue that it is these two communication features of the commission – as a space for moral discourse to occur within a heavily formal and procedural process – that make the commission an appropriate discursive place to respond to the moral dissonance that occurs in a political scandal like the Somalia Affair.
Necessidades de saúde e masculinidades: atenção primária no cuidado aos homens
Authors: Schraiber Lilia Blima , Figueiredo Wagner dos Santos , Gomes Romeu , Couto Márcia Thereza , Pinheiro Thiago Félix , Machin Rosana , Silva Geórgia Sibele Nogueira da , Valença Otávio
Published: June 2010

Estudam-se relações entre masculinidades e cuidado em saúde, abordando o reconhecimento de necessidades por homens usuários de atenção primária e respostas dos serviços. É parte de pesquisa realizada em quatro estados brasileiros, com oito serviços amostrados por conveniência. Triangulou-se observação etnográfica com entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 182 usuários de 15 a 65 anos e com 72 profissionais. A análise temática dos registros etnográficos e das entrevistas foi baseada nos referenciais de gênero e em estudos do trabalho em saúde. Os resultados apontam como a medicalização das necessidades de saúde marca usuários, profissionais e serviços, ocultando questões vinculadas à masculinidade. Permitem caracterizar a atenção primária como voltada para as mulheres, reproduzindo no funcionamento dos serviços e nos desempenhos profissionais as desigualdades de gênero, em que para as mulheres há a disciplina do cuidado e para os homens, impropriedades para assistir e cuidar.
Cardiovascular Safety of VEGF-Targeting Therapies: Current Evidence and Handling Strategies
Authors: Girardi Fabio , Franceschi Enrico , Brandes Alba A.
Published: June 2010

Treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitors bevacizumab, sunitinib, and sorafenib as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy is becoming a cornerstone of modern anticancer therapy. However, the potential toxicity of these drugs, mainly to the cardiovascular system, is still being investigated. Patient assessment at baseline, of crucial importance in candidates for treatment, involves the evaluation of risk factors and screening for past or present cardiovascular disease. Strict monitoring of treatment-related adverse effects must be conducted in order to allow the early detection of cardiovascular toxicities and their prompt medication. In the present paper, the most frequent cardiovascular toxicities and their underlying mechanisms are investigated, with a view to providing indications for effective patient management.
Do Labor Market Imperfections Increase Trade Protection? A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Matschke Xenia
Published: June 2010

Labor market imperfections are commonly believed to be a major reason for imposing trade impediments. In this paper, I introduce labor market rigidities that are prevalent in continental European countries into the well-known protection for sale model proposed by Grossman and Helpman (1994). I show that contrary to commonly held views, imperfections in the labor market do not necessarily increase equilibrium trade protection. A testable equilibrium trade protection equation is also derived. The findings in this paper are hence particularly relevant for empirical tests of trade policy determinants in economies with more regulated labor markets.
Controlled swelling and degradation studies of alginate microbeads in dilute natrium-citrate solutions
Authors: Mitrovic Dragana , Stojkovska Jasmina , Obradovic Bojana
Published: June 2010

Alginate hydrogels are widely used in biomedicine due to alginate availability, hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Alginate microbeads are particularly attractive for applications in pharmacy and regenerative medicine due to high surface to volume ratio, low mass transfer limitations and simple implantation by injection. Aim of this work was to investigate possibilities for controlled degradation of alginate microbeads in cell culture medium (Dulbecco?s modified Eagle?s medium) with Na-citrate added in small concentrations (0.05 - 0.5 mM). Alginate microbeads (1.5% w/w, 800 m in diameter) were produced by electrostatic droplet extrusion and evaluated over a period of 10 days regarding appearance, kinetics and degree of swelling as well as biomechanical properties determined in a novel bioreactor with mechanical stimulation under in vivo-like conditions in articular cartilage (10% strain, 337.5 m/s compression rate). In the citrate concentration range investigated, microbeads initially swelled reaching an equilibrium value (~150-170% with respect to the initial mass), upon which they appeared stable for a certain period of time (1 to over 7 days) followed by bead bursting and degradation. This degradation process indicated that Na+ ions from the solution initially replaced Ca2+ ions bound mainly to COO- groups in polymannuronate sequences inducing electrostatic repulsion of polymer chains and, consequently, swelling of the beads. Citrate ions assisted in this process by forming insoluble calcium citrate. Thus, the specific rate of the bead swelling increased with the increase in citrate concentration approaching a maximal value of ~0.34 d-1. In the last phase, the beads burst into pieces, which slowly continued to degrade by replacement of Ca2+ ions bonded to polyguluronate blocks in the egg-box structure. Compression moduli for packed beds of control, freshly produced microbeads, and microbeads swelled at the equilibrium degree after 3 days of staying in 0.2 mM Na-citrate solution were 136.6 ? 2.8 and 30.8 ? 1.3 kPa, respectively. By day 7 in this solution, the beads still appearing structurally intact, further lost their mechanical strength due to continued polymer chain relaxation so that the compression modulus was 20.7 to 22.6 kPa owed almost solely to undegraded polyguluronate parts. Results of these studies are important from a fundamental standpoint for determination of structure and degradation mechanisms of alginate hydrogels but also from a practical point of view for optimization of hydrogel properties and behavior for potential applications in controlled drug release as well as in tissue engineering.
The politics of trauma and reconciliation
Authors: Humphrey Michael
Published: June 2010

This paper explores transitional justice as a way to bring an end to violence and consolidate peace. It approaches transitional justice as an expression of the 'never again' consensus to prevent or prosecute crimes against humanity. It explores transitional justice as an expression of globalizing law and the implications this has for the recovery of the 'rule of law' and 'political legitimacy' in the post conflict State. It takes Robert Meister (2002)'s formulation of the politics of victimhood, revenge and resentment in the relationship between the beneficiaries and the victims of injustice, as remaining at the centre of transitional justice politics in trying to decide on the balance between reconciliation and justice projects. It explores how human rights discourse has been used to de-politicise the 'victim' by adopting an individually embodied concept of violence as opposed to a structural one. It argues that transitional justice as an expression of globalizing law has been primarily directed at maintaining peace to achieve closure on past 'evil' but that the beneficiary-victim issue has re-emerged in the social justice movements and renewed desire for prosecutions.
Sveti Djordje u Gornjem Kozjaku - opazanja o arhitekturi
Authors: Korac Vojislav
Published: June 2010

(francuski) Le travail est consacre aux observations sur l'architecture de l'?glise Saint-Georges ? Gornji Kozjak d'apr?s les notes et les dessins faits par l'auteur lors de sa visite du monument. Le texte comporte ?galement des ?crits pr?c?dents sur le monument, notamment ceux de la monographic de St. Mihailov. Le texte pr?sente une intepretation nouvelle de l'id?e du constructeur de Saint-Georges. Prenant pour base le texte de G. Babic et M. Suput sur l'Eglise du Roi a Studenica, l'auteur conclut que celle de Saint Georges est construite selon l'id?e id?ale du temple ? une coupole, connue du texte authentique de l'hymne Syrien sur l'architecture de l'?glise cath?drale ? Edessa. L'auteur est d'avis qu'il faut en principe consid?rer ? part les temples de conception similaire, savoir ceux ? coupole surplombant un espace cubique r?gulier. .
Sopocani and Gradac: About the relation of funerary programmes of the two churches
Authors: Todic Branislav
Published: June 2010

King Uros (1243-1276) erected the Church of the Holy Trinity in the Sopocani monastery in about 1270 and, in it, he prepared tombs for the first hegoumenos of Sopocani, his mother Queen Ana, for himself and the then archbishop, Joanikije (Fig. 1). Over each tomb there is a marble sarcophagus surrounded by appropriate wall paintings. The tombs of Uros and Joanikije were located in the western bay of the naos. Thus, the recently announced hypothesis, that the endowed did not intend to be buried in Sopocani, is unfounded. The intention of King Uros was only brought into question in 1276 when he was driven from the throne by his older son, Dragutin. The overthrow caused a major drama in the family, the state and the Church. King Uros retired to the southern part of the state (Hum), where he became a monk and subsequently died (perhaps in 1277). His wife Jelena received vast territories from her son, the new king, which she practically ruled independently, while Archbishop Joanikije, after having denied Dragutin his blessing, retired with the former king and died in the region of Pilot in 1279. King Dragutin (1276-1282) made a great effort to mitigate the negative effects of the overthrow: he continued his father's foreign policy established good relations with neighboring Dubrovnik, took pains to appease his mother, Queen Jelena, by granting her vast territories, and to win the support of the Church by erecting, repairing or presenting gifts to several churches and monasteries. He certainly obtained the Sopocani monastery through hereditary ktetorial rights.
The staging of the Passion scenes: A stylistic essay six paradigms from 14th century fresco painting
Authors: Dimitrova Elizabeta
Published: June 2010

The paper analyses the creative approach in the configuration of compositional schemes depicting the Passion scenes in several painted ensembles from the 14th century in terms of the stylistic nuances of their execution. Starting from the interaction of structural components of the pictures, it gives insight into the artistic qualities of the scenic arrangement of the represented motifs.
The scene of the martyrdom of Saint Demetrios in post-Byzantine art
Authors: Kirijakudis Evangelos
Published: June 2010

This study is devoted to iconographic types of presentations of the martyrdom of St. Demetrios in post-Byzantine art, but it also includes later examples from the 18th and the 19th centuries, when the scene was entirely simplified. It also discusses the inclusion of presentations of the death of St. Demetrios in other iconographic cycles, as well as its significance for the iconographic formulae in presentations of the death of some other saints.
Bellini's Mother of God with infant Christ in Dobrota
Authors: Brajovic Sasa
Published: June 2010

In the parochial church of Saint Matthew in Dobrota, there is a preserved painting by Giovanni Bellini and his workshop, The Mother of God with the Infant Christ. In the iconographic sense it is customary: a bust of Mary with the little Christ in her arms, a parapet in the foreground, green drapery and a landscape in the background. The motif of the parapet indicates the separation of the holy figures from the earthly world. However, this border is not strong: the emotional closeness between the Mother and the Child is transferred into the everyday world of mortals. The parapet is also an association with the Holy Altar. It expresses the Eucharistie, sacramental role of Christ and the Mother of God. The idea about the Mother as the tabernacle of God is underscored by the motif of the curtain. The landscape in the background makes the painting especially valuable. The softness and transparency that characterize it point to a possibility that Bellini created this painting at the end of the 15th or the beginning of the 16th century, at the time when he was under the influence of the Arcadian circle from Asolo. The landscape on the painting is passage moralize, because all the elements - the tower, the garden, the spring, goats, swans - are clearly symbols of the Mother of God. This altar painting, purchased by an unknown native of the Boka Kotorska Bay, and brought back to his birthplace, proves that the spirit of the renaissance also touched the southeastern coast of the Adriatic.
Elimination of Negative Feedback Control Mechanisms Along the Insulin Signaling Pathway Improves β-Cell Function Under Stress
Authors: Gurevitch Diana , Boura-Halfon Sigalit , Isaac Roi , Shahaf Galit , Alberstein Moti , Ronen Denise , Lewis Eli C. , Zick Yehiel
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Cellular stress and proinflammatory cytokines induce phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins at Ser sites that inhibit insulin and IGF-1 signaling. Here, we examined the role of Ser phosphorylation of IRS-2 in mediating the inhibitory effects of proinflammatory cytokines and cellular stress on β-cell function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Five potential inhibitory Ser sites located proximally to the P-Tyr binding domain of IRS-2 were mutated to Ala. These IRS-2 mutants, denoted IRS-25A, and their wild-type controls (IRS-2WT) were introduced into adenoviral constructs that were infected into Min6 cells or into cultured murine islets.

RESULTS

When expressed in cultured mouse islets, IRS-25A was better than IRS-2WT in protecting β-cells from apoptosis induced by a combination of IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and Fas ligand. Cytokine-treated islets expressing IRS25A secreted significantly more insulin in response to glucose than did islets expressing IRS-2WT. This could be attributed to the higher transcription of Pdx1 in cytokine-treated islets that expressed IRS-25A. Accordingly, transplantation of 200 islets expressing IRS25A into STZ-induced diabetic mice restored their ability to respond to a glucose load similar to naïve mice. In contrast, mice transplanted with islets expressing IRS2WT maintained sustained hyperglycemia 3 days after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Elimination of a physiological negative feedback control mechanism along the insulin-signaling pathway that involves Ser/Thr phosphorylation of IRS-2 affords protection against the adverse effects of proinflammatory cytokines and improves β-cell function under stress. Genetic approaches that promote IRS25A expression in pancreatic β-cells, therefore, could be considered a rational treatment against β-cell failure after islet transplantation.
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide May Enhance Fatty Acid Re-esterification in Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissue in Lean Humans
Authors: Asmar Meena , Simonsen Lene , Madsbad Sten , Stallknecht Bente , Holst Jens Juul , Bülow Jens
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has been implicated in lipid metabolism in animals. In humans, however, there is no clear evidence of GIP effecting lipid metabolism. The present experiments were performed in order to elucidate the effects of GIP on regional adipose tissue metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight healthy subjects were studied on four different occasions. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue metabolism was assessed by measuring arterio-venous concentration differences and regional adipose tissue blood flow during GIP (1.5 pmol/kg/min) or saline infused intravenously alone or in combination with a hyperinsulinemic-hyperglycemic (HI-HG) clamp.

RESULTS

During GIP and HI-HG clamp, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow, hydrolysis of circulating triacylglycerol (TAG) (P = 0.009), and glucose uptake (P = 0.03) increased significantly while free fatty acid (FFA) output (P = 0.04) and FFA/glycerol release ratio (P = 0.02) decreased compared with saline and HI-HG clamp.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GIP in combination with hyperinsulinemia and slight hyperglycemia increased adipose tissue blood flow, glucose uptake, and FFA re-esterification, thus resulting in increased TAG deposition in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Inflammatory Tendencies and Overproduction of IL-17 in the Colon of Young NOD Mice Are Counteracted With Diet Change
Authors: Alam Catharina , Valkonen Suvi , Palagani Vindhya , Jalava Jari , Eerola Erkki , Hänninen Arno
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Dietary factors influence diabetes development in the NOD mouse. Diet affects the composition of microbiota in the distal intestine, which may subsequently influence intestinal immune homeostasis. However, the specific effects of antidiabetogenic diets on gut immunity and the explicit associations between intestinal immune disruption and type 1 diabetes onset remain unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Gut microbiota of NOD mice fed a conventional diet or ProSobee formula were compared using gas chromatography. Colonic lamina propria immune cells were characterized in terms of activation markers, cytokine mRNA and Th17 and Foxp3+ T-cell numbers, using real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Activation of diabetogenic CD4 T-cells by purified B-cells was assessed in both groups. Immune tolerance to autologous commensal bacteria was evaluated in vitro using thymidine-incorporation tests.

RESULTS

Young NOD mice showed a disturbed tolerance to autologous commensal bacteria. Increased numbers of activated CD4 T-cells and (CD11b+CD11c+) dendritic cells and elevated levels of Th17 cells and IL23 mRNA were moreover observed in colon lamina propria. These phenomena were abolished when mice were fed an antidiabetogenic diet. The antidiabetogenic diet also altered the expression levels of costimulatory molecules and the capacity of peritoneal B-cells to induce insulin-specific CD4 T-cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Young NOD mice show signs of subclinical colitis, but the symptoms are alleviated by a diet change to an antidiabetogenic diet. Disrupted immune tolerance in the distal intestine may influence peritoneal cell pools and B-cell–mediated activation of diabetogenic T-cells.
Brain Insulin Action Regulates Hypothalamic Glucose Sensing and the Counterregulatory Response to Hypoglycemia
Authors: Diggs-Andrews Kelly A. , Zhang Xuezhao , Song Zhentao , Daphna-Iken Dorit , Routh Vanessa H. , Fisher Simon J.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

An impaired ability to sense and appropriately respond to insulin-induced hypoglycemia is a common and serious complication faced by insulin-treated diabetic patients. This study tests the hypothesis that insulin acts directly in the brain to regulate critical glucose-sensing neurons in the hypothalamus to mediate the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To delineate insulin actions in the brain, neuron-specific insulin receptor knockout (NIRKO) mice and littermate controls were subjected to graded hypoglycemic (100, 70, 50, and 30 mg/dl) hyperinsulinemic (20 mU/kg/min) clamps and nonhypoglycemic stressors (e.g., restraint, heat). Subsequently, counterregulatory responses, hypothalamic neuronal activation (with transcriptional marker c-fos), and regional brain glucose uptake (via 14C-2deoxyglucose autoradiography) were measured. Additionally, electrophysiological activity of individual glucose-inhibited neurons and hypothalamic glucose sensing protein expression (GLUTs, glucokinase) were measured.

RESULTS

NIRKO mice revealed a glycemia-dependent impairment in the sympathoadrenal response to hypoglycemia and demonstrated markedly reduced (3-fold) hypothalamic c-fos activation in response to hypoglycemia but not other stressors. Glucose-inhibited neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus of NIRKO mice displayed significantly blunted glucose responsiveness (membrane potential and input resistance responses were blunted 66 and 80%, respectively). Further, hypothalamic expression of the insulin-responsive GLUT 4, but not glucokinase, was reduced by 30% in NIRKO mice while regional brain glucose uptake remained unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronically, insulin acts in the brain to regulate the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia by directly altering glucose sensing in hypothalamic neurons and shifting the glycemic levels necessary to elicit a normal sympathoadrenal response.
Systematic review of the use of pheromones for treatment of undesirable behavior in cats and dogs
Authors: Frank Diane , Beauchamp Guy , Palestrini Clara
Published: June 2010

Objective—To systematically review the scientific literature to identify, assess the quality of, and determine outcomes of studies conducted to evaluate the use of pheromones for treatment of undesirable behavior in cats and dogs.

Design—Systematic review.

Study Population—Reports of prospective studies published from January 1998 through December 2008.

Procedures—The MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts databases were searched with the following key terms: dog OR dogs OR canine OR cat OR cats OR feline AND pheromone OR synthetic pheromone OR facial pheromone OR appeasing pheromone. A date limit was set from 1998 through 2008. Identified reports for dogs (n = 7) and cats (7) were systematically reviewed.

Results—Studies provided insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of feline facial pheromone for management of idiopathic cystitis or calming cats during catheterization and lack of support for reducing stress in hospitalized cats. Only 1 study yielded sufficient evidence that dog-appeasing pheromone reduces fear or anxiety in dogs during training. Six studies yielded insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of dog-appeasing pheromone for treatment of noise phobia (2 reports), travel-related problems, fear or anxiety in the veterinary clinic, and stress- and fear-related behavior in shelter dogs as well as vocalizing and house soiling in recently adopted puppies.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—11 of the 14 reports reviewed provided insufficient evidence and 1 provided lack of support for effectiveness of pheromones for the treatment of undesirable behavior in cats and dogs.
Prevalence of protective antibody titers for canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus in dogs entering a Florida animal shelter
Authors: Lechner Elizabeth S. , Crawford P. Cynda , Levy Julie K. , Edinboro Charlotte H. , Dubovi Edward J. , Caligiuri Randy
Published: June 2010

Objective—To determine the proportion of dogs entering an animal shelter with protective antibody titers (PATs) for canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) and identify factors associated with having a PAT.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—431 dogs admitted to an open-admission municipal animal shelter in north central Florida with a history of infectious disease outbreaks.

Procedures—Blood was collected from dogs on the day of admission to the shelter. Antibody titers for CDV and CPV were measured by virus neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition, respectively. Age, sex, neuter status, address of origin, source (stray or previously owned), health status (healthy or not healthy), and outcome (adoption, euthanasia, or reclaimed by owner) data were also collected.

Results—Overall, 64.5% (278/431) of dogs had insufficient titers for antibodies against CDV, CPV, or both. A total of 153 (35.5%) dogs had PATs for both CDV and CPV, 33 (7.7%) had PATs for CDV but not CPV, 136 (31.5%) had PATs for CPV but not CDV, and 109 (25.3%) did not have PATs for either virus. Older dogs were more likely to have PATs for CDV and CPV. Neutered dogs were more likely to have PATs for CDV. Factors not associated with having a PAT included source, health status, and type of community from which the dog originated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most dogs had insufficient antibody titers for CDV, CPV, or both at the time of admission to the animal shelter. Findings support current guidelines recommending vaccination of all dogs immediately upon admission to shelters, regardless of source or physical condition.
Complications associated with use of subcutaneous vascular access ports in cats and dogs undergoing fractionated radiotherapy: 172 cases (1996–2007)
Authors: Culp William T. N. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Reese Michael S. , Duda Lili , Glassman Mathieu M. , Brown Dorothy C.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To describe complications associated with use of a subcutaneous vascular access port (SVAP) in cats and dogs treated with fractionated radiotherapy and to determine predisposing factors for developing these complications.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—46 cats and 126 dogs.

Procedures—The medical records of cats and dogs undergoing radiation therapy that received placement of an SVAP between March 1996 and August 2007 were reviewed. Data were recorded and analyzed to determine factors for development of complications associated with the use of an SVAP during treatment with fractionated radiotherapy.

Results—18 and 36 major and minor complications were identified, respectively. Sex and the lack of administration of propofol during anesthesia induction were significantly associated with development of major complications. Female cats and dogs were 5.00 times as likely as male cats and dogs to develop major complications associated with SVAP usage. Animals in which propofol was not administered were 19.15 times as likely as animals administered propofol to develop major complications. Placement of SVAP catheters in a femoral vein was 17.20 times as likely as placement in the jugular vein to result in minor complications.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Factors associated with the development of complications included sex, propofol administration, and vein in which an SVAP catheter was inserted. The use of an SVAP may be a useful alternative to repeated catheterizations in cats and dogs.
Demographic characteristics of horses donated to the North Carolina State University Equine Health Center, 1996–2008
Authors: Bowman Susan G. , Marshall John F. , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To determine demographic characteristics of horses donated to the North Carolina State University Equine Health Center (EHC) between 1996 and 2008.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—122 horses donated to the EHC between January 1996 and December 2008, and 246 horses offered for donation to the EHC between January 2007 and December 2008.

Procedures—Telephone and medical records were examined. Data were collected in 5 categories: age, sex, breed, reason for donation, and use prior to donation.

Results—From January 1996 through December 2008, 122 horses were donated to the EHC (median, 3 horses/y; range, 0 to 39 horses/y). There were 131 and 115 horses offered for donation during 2007 and 2008, respectively, of which 38 and 23 were accepted. Mean ± SD age of horses offered for donation during 2007 and 2008 was 12.7 ± 6.7 years, with 75 of the 246 (30.5%) horses between 6 and 10 years old. Musculoskeletal disease was the most commonly listed reason horses were offered for donation (115/240 [47.9%]).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that unwanted horses donated to the EHC between 1996 and 2008 spanned a wide range of ages and breeds and included both males and females. The most common reason given for unwanted horses offered for donation during 2007 and 2008 was musculoskeletal disease, with degenerative joint disease, lameness of undetermined cause, laminitis, and navicular disease being the most common musculoskeletal conditions.
Geographic, farm, and animal factors associated with multiple antimicrobial resistance in fecal Escherichia coli isolates from cattle in the western United States
Authors: Berge Anna C. , Hancock Dale D. , Sischo William M. , Besser Thomas E.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To describe geographic, farm-type, and animal-type factors associated with multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) in fecal Escherichia coli isolates from cattle.

Design—Cross-sectional field study.

Sample Population—1,736 fecal samples from cattle on 38 farms in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Procedures—Fecal samples were collected from preweaned calves (2 to 4 weeks old) and cows that recently calved on dairy and beef cow-calf farms, preweaned calves on calf ranches, and 1-year-old steers on feedlots. One fecal E coli isolate per sample was isolated, and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested. Escherichia coli isolates were initially clustered by antimicrobial resistance patterns and categorized by number of antimicrobial resistances. A generalized estimating equations cumulative logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with an increase in MAR in fecal E coli isolates from cattle.

Results—MAR was higher in E coli isolates from cattle in California, compared with those from cattle in Washington or Oregon. Multiple antimicrobial resistance was highest in E coli isolates from calves on calf ranches and progressively lower in isolates from feedlot steers, dairy cattle, and beef cattle. Multiple antimicrobial resistance was higher in E coli isolates from calves than from adult cattle, in E coli isolates from cattle of conventional farms than of organic farms, and in isolates from beef cattle in intensive dairy farm regions than from beef cattle distant from dairy farm regions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MAR in fecal E coli isolates from cattle was influenced by factors not directly associated with the use of antimicrobials, including geographic region, animal age, and purpose (beef vs dairy).
Efficient and solvent-free synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols using N,N,N’,N’-tetrabromobenzene-1,3-disulfonamide
Authors: Ghorbani-Vaghei Ramin , Malaekehpour Seyedeh
Published: June 2010

N,N,N,’N’-Tetrabromobenzene-1,3-disulfonamide [TBBDA] is found to be a reusable catalyst for efficient synthesis of various amidoalkyl naphthols from β-naphthol, aromatic aldehydes and urea in good to high yields under solvent-free conditions.
Removal of cadmium and copper ions by Trichosporon cutaneum R57 cells immobilized onto polyvinyl alcohol/tetraethoxysilane hybrid matrices
Authors: Bryaskova Rayna , Georgieva Nelly , Peshev Dimitar
Published: June 2010

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hybrid materials were prepared by sol-gel methods and tested as matrices for immobilization of Trichosporon cutaneum R57, capable of removing cadmium and copper ions from aqueous solutions. A kinetic model was applied and the effects of matrix TEOS content on the copper and cadmium uptake equilibria and rate constants were investigated.
The effect of the valence nucleons off the shells with Z = 82 and N = 126 on rotational characteristics of actinide nuclei
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Maria
Published: June 2010

Our earlier results obtained for moments of inertia (M) in the case of 54 rotational level bands built on the ground state of actinide nuclei are taken for further analysis. In the current paper, resulting dynamic rotational characteristics, such as a
0, a
1, s
0 and the R
4/2 parameter, are studied from the standpoint of their dependence on the valence nucleon number product N
p
N
n and on the variable P = N
p
N
n/(N
p + N
n). New features of the nuclei deformation phenomenon in the actinide area arise when their dynamic rotational characteristics, mentioned above, are plotted in such a way as shown in the current work. The method of analysis presented here makes it possible to reveal nuclei with valence nucleon numbers for which the nuclear interactions are notable and those in which they are inconspicuous. E. g. when N
p
N
n < 200 and P < 6 the strength of nuclear interaction gradually decreases with the increase of these variables. The strength of the nuclear interaction does not change significantly for N
p
N
n > 200 and P > 6 — the rotational characteristics stabilise. Moreover, it is possible to establish the P variable as representing the effective number of interactions of each valence nucleon with those of the other type.
Effects of quantum vacuum fluctuations of the electric field on DNA condensation
Authors: Iorio Alfredo , Sen Samik , Sen Siddhartha
Published: June 2010

By assuming that not only counter-ions but DNA molecules as well are thermally distributed according to a Boltzmann law, we propose a modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation, at the classical level, as a starting point to compute the effects of quantum fluctuations of the electric field on the interaction among DNA-cation complexes. The latter are modeled here as infinite one-dimensional wires (δ-functions). Our goal is to single out such quantum-vacuum-driven interaction from the counterion-induced and water-related interactions. We obtain a universal, frustration-free Casimir-like (codimension 2) interaction that extensive numerical analysis show to be a good candidate to explain the formation and stability of DNA aggregates. Such Casimir energy is computed for a variety of configurations of up to 19 DNA strands in a hexagonal array. It is found to be many-body.
Two-dimensional oblique stagnation-point flow towards a stretching surface in a viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Husain Iqbal , Labropulu Fotini , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2010

In this paper, the steady two-dimensional stagnation-point flow of a viscoelastic Walters’ B’ fluid over a stretching surface is examined. It is assumed that the fluid impinges on the wall obliquely. Using similarity variables, the governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of two non-dimensional ordinary differential equations. These equations are then solved numerically using the shooting method with a finite-difference technique.
Editorial
Authors: Mouncey Peter
Published: June 2010

By the time UK readers receive this issue, I expect that the UK general election will be done and dusted, and we will know how accurately the polls predicted the outcome, and how the media reported their performance. So, to complete our coverage of researching voting intentions for now, Nick Moon's Viewpoint in this issue discusses media coverage of opinion polling in the UK, and we publish a paper by Manaev et al. describing influences on opinion forming in an ex-Communist state – and the very different role played by the media to the norm in Western societies. I hope you've enjoyed the papers covering this important field of research, and I'd like to thank all those authors whose contributions we've published in recent issues.
From Child’s Garden to Academic Press
Authors: Russell Jennifer Lin
Published: June 2010

The impermeability of schooling to reform is a frequent conclusion of studies of educational organizations, but historical accounts suggest that kindergartens have undergone significant transformation. Once a transitional year emphasizing child development, kindergarten now marks the beginning of formal academic instruction. Guided by institutional theory, this article explores the evolution of public discourse about kindergarten by analyzing newspaper articles, policy documents, and professional association activities. I argue that the media advanced academic messages about kindergarten before state activism, while the state later embedded an academic model in policy. The case of kindergarten surfaces general implications for understanding educational change, highlighting how new ideas and practices are advanced by a diverse set of actors in the organizational field.
Toxicological study of chromium and its interaction with GA3 on germination of different cultivars of paddy (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Gyawali Rajendra , Lekhak H. D.
Published: June 2010

The study was carried out to find the toxic effect of chromium and the role of GA3 to overcome the toxic effect imposed by chromium on five different cultivars of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) viz. cv Pokhareli Masino, cv Khunul-2, cv Jorpati Local, cv Khumal-6 and cv Taichung Local from Kathmandu valley. Germination experiments were carried out in petri dishes for seven days at 26±2°C temperature and potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) was used as a source of chromium. The degree of inhibition in germination was variable with type of the cultivars and range of chromium concentration. Increase in concentration let to inhibition in germination. tolerace of the five different cultivars of paddy was: Taichung Local < Khumal-6 < Mansuli Local < Khumal-2 < Pokhareli Masino. The value of effective concentration (EC50) that inhibited the 50 percent germination was found at 287.5, 177.5, 147.5, 87.5 and 32.5 ppm for Pokhareli Masino, Khumal-2, Mansuli Local, Khumal-6 and Taichung Local, respectively. Exogenously applied plant hormone GA3 in combination with crhomium was found partly able to overcome the chromium toxicity but was unable to fully suppress the toxicity imposed by chromium on seed germination of paddy. Key words: Paddy; Germination; Chromium; EC50; GA3; Toxicitydoi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3194 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 27-33, 2005
Cyanophyceaen and Chlorophyceaen flora of Sikkim Himalayas, India
Authors: Kumar Satendra , Suseela M. R. , Toppo Kiran
Published: June 2010

The present paper enumerates 30 taxa of fresh water algae, in which 18 belong to the class Cyanophyceae, order Chroococcales and 12 Chlorophyceaen taxa, orders Cladophorales, Oedogoniales, Chaetophorales, Zygenmatales and Ulotrichales. Species were identified from collected samples of high altitudinal zones of Sikkim Himalayas. All taxa have been reported for the first time from the study area. Key words: Cyanophyceae; Chlorophyceaen; Sikkim Himalayas doi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3195 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 35-42, 2005
Polystrata alba from the Ninniyur formation of the Cauvery Basin, South India
Authors: Kishore S. , Singh S. K.
Published: June 2010

The sediments of the Ninniyur formation (Paleocene) are characterized by exceptionally rich of calcareous algae. The present paper deals morphotaxonomical, palaeoecological and palaeogeographical aspects of the Polystrata alba (red algae). Polystrata alba (Pfender) Denizot is belonging to the family Peyssonneliaceae of the class Rhodophyceae. It is extent taxa, wide geographic distribution and known from early Cretaceous-Recent of the different part of the world. Key Words: Polystrata Alba; Palaeocene; Ninniyur; Formation; Cauvery Basin doi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3197 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 59-63, 2005