bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific and Cross-Reactive Activation of Rabbit Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes by Streptococcal Vaccines
Authors: Pawlita Michael , Braun Dietmar G.
Published: October 2008

The ability of primed rabbit blood lymphocytes to respond in vitro to the homologous streptococcal group antigen depends on its presence in culture in the form of vaccine or cell walls thereof. These lymphocytes can also be stimulated in vitro by streptococcal vaccines with chemically related group antigens. The basis for this cross-stimulation apparently resides in shared rhamnose moieties. Activation of these lymphocytes was not achieved by vaccines from unrelated bacteria. There is also the suggestion that rabbits of different genetic origin differentiate between cross-stimulating antigens, probably at the level of antigenic determinants. The data support the view that recognition and response pattern of the immune system rely heavily on a network of antigens.
Molecular Biology and Molecular Pathology of a Newly Described Molecular Disease – Tyrosinemia II (The Richner-Hanhart Syndrome)
Authors: Goldsmith Lowell A.
Published: October 2008

A deficiency of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase in humans is responsible for a syndrome of keratitis, palmar and plantar erosions and hyperkeratosis and mental retardation. Serum tyrosine increases due to the enzymatic deficiency leads to the deposition of tyrosine crystals in the eye and cornea. This deposition and possible lysosomal activation leads to inflammation in the cornea and the skin. The syndrome can be reproduced in animals who are fed a high tyrosine diet. The interaction of tyrosine crystals with membrane-bound particles can be studied in vitro with lysosomes and erythrocytes.
Filaments in Astrocytes and Axons of Mice Optic Nerve
Authors: Omlin F.X. , Bischoff A. , Spycher M.A.
Published: October 2008

Fixed and nonfixed tissues from optic nerves of 20-day-old mice were examined with the electron microscope using the freeze-etching method. In this study the filaments of fibrous astrocytes are compared with those of axons. Both the astrocytic perikaryon and the processes show a characteristic aspect in view of the arrangement and density of filaments. The most reliable criterion to distinguish them from nonmyelinated axons is the presence of areas with packed filaments. Furthermore, we demonstrated morphometrically that the filaments of axons and astrocytes from prefixed specimens had a statistically significant (p < 0.001) smaller diameter (9.5 ± 0.3nm) than those from nonprefixed ones (10.5 ± 0.3 nm). The diameters of filaments in axons and astrocytes are identical in fixed as well as in non-fixed material. The fine structure of filaments displays in addition to a helical form also a certain periodicity.
Impairment by Interferon of Mitogen-induced DNA Synthesis in Chick Lymphocytes
Authors: Bachmann U. , Dörries R. , Strate C. , Jungwirth C. , Bodo G.
Published: October 2008

Chick interferon preparations inhibit mitogen-induced DNA synthesis of chicken peripheral and spleen lymphocytes. Mock interferon preparations showed also some inhibition of mitogen-induced DNA synthesis. The degree of inhibition is concentration dependent but varies also with the relative time of addition of homologous interferon and mitogen. Addition of the interferon preparations 6 h before mitogen resulted in a stronger inhibition of DNA synthesis than if the interferon preparations and mitogen were added at the same time. The interferon preparations seem to affect the metabolism of lymphocytes in a more general way and not only the trigger mechanism of the mitogenic response since addition of interferon even 24 h after the mitogen inhibits the induced DNA synthesis.
Increased Trypsin Sensitivity of Cell Surface Macromolecules after Malignant Transformation
Authors: Latner A.L. , Turner G.A.
Published: October 2008

The effect of treatment with 0.04% (w/v) trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4) for 3 h on the electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of polyoma-virus malignantly transformed BHK21 cells (Py6) and their normal counterparts has been investigated. These particular conditions were chosen because an earlier study had shown that such treatment released material from the Py6 cells which was not obtained from the BHK21 cells. The negative EPM of the Py6 cells at pH 7.5 was greatly increased by this treatment; whereas the EPM of the BHK21 cells remained unchanged. Active enzyme was required to produce the change. No evidence was obtained for cytolysis, cytotoxicity or uptake of the enzyme by the treated Py6 cells. Measurement of the EPM of the Py6 cells at different pH levels before and after trypsin treatment suggested that the enzyme was removing cationic groupings from the cell surface.
Phagocytosis of Latex Particles in Relation to the Cell Cycle in 3T3 Cells
Authors: Riley P.A. , Dean R.T.
Published: October 2008

Cultures of 3T3 cells, synchronised by serum deprivation, were shown to phagocytose latex beads of 0.81 µmdiameter more avidly in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The maximum rate of about 0.12 particles/cell/hour was recorded 12 h after stimulation with 10% fetal bovine serum. After 24 h, when mitosis was beginning, the uptake fell to just above the unstimulated level of 0.06 particles/cell/ hour. Exocytosis was linear and only 7% of the total cell-associated latex was released in 30 h. Internalisation of latex beads was demonstrated by electron microscopy. No uptake was detected in experiments conducted at 4 °C.
Selected Morphological Immunocytochemical and Growth Characteristics of Three Experimental Rat Gliomas and of Their Cells in vitro
Authors: Stavrou D. , Osterkamp U. , Schröder B. , Anzil A.P. , Zänker K.
Published: October 2008

Tumors of the nervous system were induced in Sprague-Dawley and Long-Evans rats by weekly administrations of 6 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in the drinking water. Three of these tumors, a grade 2 mixed glioma, a grade 2 to 3 astrocytoma and a grade 1 to 2 oligodendroglioma, were established in culture and propagated in vitro. The mixed glioma strain (75SD-G-376) and the astrocytoma line (75SD-G-420) were repeatedly subcultured, cloned at passage 90 and 120 and designated as 75SD-G-376C and 75SD-G-420C clone, respectively. The growth rate of the oligodendroglioma cell strain (77LE-G-180) was very low and the cells died off after the 5th in vitro passage. The glial nature of all lines was ascertained by demonstrating the presence of the S-100 protein in the culture cells. 2’/2 years after the establishment in vitro of the 75SD-G-376 and 75SD-G-420 primary cultures, mass cultures as well as clones derived from them are still producing S-100 and thus are clearly comparable to the primary cultures, at least in this respect. From a morphological standpoint based on light microscopy, cells of clonal lines with relatively few and short processes differ, however, from cells of primary cultures and their uncloned lines. Therefore, the cell morphology of these clones can be viewed upon as a form of adaptation to the in vitro conditions. It can be concluded that permanent cell lines with well-defined properties can be grown from experimental brain gliomas successfully established in culture and maintained in vitro.
Human Articular Cartilage in Relation to Age. A Morphometric Study
Authors: Lothe Kari , Spycher M.A. , Rüttner J.R.
Published: October 2008

The cell density of the weight-bearing area of normal femoral head cartilage was investigated in 65 cases of both sexes ranging from 6 to 90 years of age. In the maturing cartilage (until about the third decade), the cell density decreases, while in aging cartilage (30–90 years) it remains constant. Our results are in agreement with the main trend of earlier and similar investigations. The reason for contradictory reports is suggested to be due to differences in the selection of criteria for defining ‘normal’ cartilage. This problem is particularly acute with advancing age, where a great part of the available material shows degenerative changes.
Effects of Murine Tumor Necrosis Factor on Heterotransplanted Human Tumors
Authors: Helson L. , Helson C. , Green S.
Published: October 2008

A partially purified glycoprotein fraction (the G-200 II fraction) obtained from sera of CD-1 mice sensitized with Cory nebacterium parvum and treated with endotoxin was designated as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Human melanoma cells exposed to this factor in vitro had decreased tumorigenicity when injected into nude mice. Human melanoma, embryonal adenocarcinoma of the testis and colon carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice exhibited regressions in size following intraperitoneal injections of TNF. The responses were related to dose and duration of exposure.
Differences in the Surface Components of Normal and SV-40 Transformed 3T3 Mouse Fibroblasts
Authors: Sherbet G.V. , Lakshmi M.S.
Published: October 2008

The differences in the surface components of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and those transformed by Simian virus 40 have been examined using the isoelectric equilibrium method. The net negative surface charge density of the transformed cells appears to be marginally lower than that of the untransformed cell. Chemical modification studies of the surface groups have indicated that about 30% more cationic groups are present on the transformed cells, suggesting the occurrence of some additional basic material not detectable on the surface of normal cells. These basic groups show a modulation of ionisation characteristics in the presence of carboxylic groups. This may indicate a distribution of the cationic extra material in the vicinity of acidic glycoprotein components of the surface. This investigation has also revealed the occurrence of unidentified anionic groups which ionise at high pH, which appear to be thiol groups.
A New Concept Regarding the Origin of the Junctional and Crevicular Epithelium in Rat Molars
Authors: Mattout P.M. , Rachlin G.
Published: October 2008

The substitution of the internal enamel epithelium by a squamous epithelium during tooth eruption has been studied histologically in rat molars. Just prior to eruption, cytolysis of the connective tissue covering the cusp tip determines hyperplasia in the oral epithelium. A conspicuous infiltration results. Infiltrated undifferentiated cells form distinct cords which seem to be attracted by the internal enamel epithelium. They reaggregate when they come into its contact and form an underlying epithelium. The process starts in the superficial part and progressively extends towards the cervix. Finally, the internal enamel epithelium is expelled when desquamation begins. The lack of mitoses in both stratum intermedium and internal enamel epithelium and the pyknosis observed in the former, clearly show that the cells of the embryonic dental bell do not take part in the formation of the squamous epithelium as some authors still suppose.
Differential DNA Damage Induced by Chemical Mutagens in Cells Growing in a Modified Selye’s Granuloma Pouch
Authors: Lee I.P. , Zbinden G.
Published: October 2008

Rapid growth of granulation tissue was induced in rats by injection of croton oil into a subcutaneous air pocket. Growth characteristics of the granulation tissue were evaluated by histopathologic techniques and measurement of 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA. The DNA of cells growing in the granuloma was labeled with 3H-thymidine. Subsequently, 4 classes of test chemicals (monofunctional and polyfunctional alkylating agents, DNA intercalating agents and chemicals not known to interact with DNA) were injected intraperitoneally. The presence of single-strand breaks was assayed in DNA of granuloma tissue using the alkaline elution technique. DNA breaks were primarily induced by monofunctional alkylating agents and were characteristic for each compound. DNA from animals treated with polyfunctional alkylating agents and DNA-intercalating agents showed a variable degree of resistance to methylmethane sulfonate-induced DNA breakage.
Macrophage Immunity to Influenza Virus: in vitro and in vivo Studies
Authors: Bruinink Arend , Haller Otto
Published: October 2008

Using M-TUR, a macrophage-adapted avian influenza A virus (Hav1, Nav3), antiviral resistance of peritoneal macrophages obtained from specifically or nonspecifically immunized mice towards in vitro infection was assessed. M-TUR grew to high titers in macrophages from nonimmune mice thereby causing a marked cytopathic effect. In contrast, peritoneal macrophages from mice specifically immunized with TUR virus were not affected by infection with M-TUR in vitro. This antiviral immunity was specific: mice immunized with antigenetically unrelated influenza strains such as influenza A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3, N2) or influenza B/Lee yielded susceptible macrophages. Specific macrophage immunity could be abrogated by trypsin treatment in vitro. Susceptible macrophages from nonimmune hosts became resistant following in vitro exposure to homologous anti-TUR sera. Peritoneal exudate cells from BCG-infected animals were less susceptible to in vitro challenge with M-TUR than control macrophages. In vivo treatment of mice with the unspecific immunostimulants BCG or Corynebacterium parvum did not protect the animals against lethal infection with a hepatotropic variant of TUR.
Cytologic Uniformity of Breast Cancer from Different Localizations: A Pattern Analysis Study
Authors: Geier Gert R. , Schwarz Jürgen A. , Schlag Peter
Published: October 2008

Using cytologic pattern analysis it is shown that regions of different histologic structure in one breast cancer are of cytologic homogeneity. The so-called PFORM -the quotient of the total outline length of DNA-particles to the nuclear area – gives an objective cytologic parameter which is independent of DNA content of cancer cells. This objective parameter together with the subjective cytologic parameters described earlier may be a better basis for describing the biologic behavior of breast cancer than histologic structure which is inhomogeneous very often in a lump.
In vitro Expression of Cytotoxicity by Macrophages Is Independent of the Actual Serum Concentration
Authors: Keller R.
Published: October 2008

In utilizing the same effector and target cells, similar arrangement and population density of cells but varying the actual serum concentration in the range between 1 and 50% fetal calf serum, it was attempted to accurately assess the dependence of in vitro cytolysis expressed by adherent, predominantly phagocytic mononuclear cells (‘macrophages’) on the actual serum concentration. The results show that the extent to which cytotoxicity by activated macrophages against a given target cell type was expressed, was within a comparable range independent of the actual serum concentration. This holds true for each of the 9 target cell lines examined although with some of the cell lines there was a certain tendency towards high cytotoxicity in the range between 5 and 20% serum.
Role of a Soluble Cytotoxic Factor in Concanavalin A-Induced Cellular Cytotoxicity to Rabbit Erythrocytes
Authors: Nose Masato , Kyogoku Masahisa
Published: October 2008

A new sensitive and simplified method for detecting concanavalin A-induced cellular cytotoxicity was developed by using 51Cr-labeled rabbit erythrocytes as target cells, and a soluble cytotoxic factor (SCF) to rabbit erythrocytes was demonstrated with this system. From morphological studies, this factor appeared to play a major role in cellular cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic activity of SCF was removed by absorption with rabbit erythrocytes. Furthermore, the target cells pretreated with SCF and washed were subsequently destroyed. These results may indicate that SCF exerts its effect through binding to cellular receptors. Some monosaccharides showed inhibitory effects on the cytolysis of rabbit erythrocytes by SCF and on the adsorption of SCF activity to them. The significance of these findings in elucidation of the action of SCF was discussed.
Enzymatic Modulation of the Cell Surface in Malignant Transformation of Normal Human Mammary Epithelial Cells and in Conversion of Mammary Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Hakim Anwar A.
Published: October 2008

The effect of treatment with trypsin and neuraminidase on morphology, proliferation pattern, adhesiveness and ultrastructure of human normal mammary and carcinoma cell lines has been investigated. These criteria were chosen because they reflect on the cell surface function. Active enzymes were required to produce changes. If trypsinized and then allowed to grow in culture media supplemented with ‘fibroblast growth-promoting factor’, human normal mammary epithelial cells proliferated in a disorganized pattern with cells overlapping and piling up and developing ultrastructural characteristics of neoplastic cells. On the other hand, if treated with neuraminidase and then permitted to grow in presence of the ‘fibroblast growth-promoting factor’, mammary carcinoma cells proliferated in an organized pattern, forming one-cell-thick, fibroblast-like monolayers and ultrastructural characteristics of normal epithelial cells.
Slow versus Fast Postthaw Dilution for the Recovery of Lymphocytes in Whole Blood Frozen in either Dimethyl Sulfoxide or Glycerol
Authors: Weed Richard G. , Jenkins Edmund C.
Published: October 2008

It was previously shown by the authors that human whole blood was cryoprotected by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for use as inoculum in short-term lymphocyte cultures. That procedure utilized a fast postthaw dilution where the cryoprotective agent was diluted in two steps. In this paper it is shown that a five-step ‘slow’ dilution technique is much superior to the two-step ‘fast’ dilution procedure, which significantly revises our original report of 1972. This method has strikingly improved the degree of blastogenic response to phytohemagglutinin as measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation. The increase in amount of tritium incorporation was seen in cultures which were protected with either DMSO or glycerol. A similar effect was observed in unfrozen control cultures exposed to either cryoprotectant.
Isoelectric Focusing of Cells Using Zwitterionic Buffers
Authors: Rao Vasudeva , Grover R. , Mehta A.
Published: October 2008

A simple method of isoelectric focusing of cells is described. The pH gradient, superimposed on a density gradient, is developed by generating opposing concentration gradients of two zwitterionic buffers. The method can be used as a cell separation technique or as a means of characterizing the cell type on the basis of the focusing pH. Focusing is rapid and thus the method is of special advantage in its application to cells.
Aprotinin Induces Surface Changes in Malignant Cells in Culture: a Possible Mode of Antitumour Action
Authors: Latner A.L. , Sherbet G.V.
Published: October 2008

Treatment of TRES cells with aprotinin (Trasylol®) produced marked changes in their surface properties. There was a concentration-dependent increase in the surface charge density of the cells. The agglutinability of the cells was inhibited by the antiproteinase. The cells became less adhesive to concanavalin A-linked plates. The adhesion of treated TRES cells appeared to be mediated by lectin receptors with lower specificity for concanavalin A. These observations and an analysis of the kinetics of adhesion have suggested the possibility that a new class of concanavalin A receptors appears on the surface of aprotinin-treated TRES cells, which might increase immunogenicity of the cells.
Effect of Colchicine on PGE1 Stimulation of cAMP Formation in Human Lymphoblastoid and Normal Lymphocytes
Authors: Stole Viktor
Published: October 2008

PGE! increased cAMP level in human lymphoblastoid cells (RPMI 1788) after 5–60 min of incubation at 37 °C. A gradual decrease of cAMP concentration was found at the later time intervals. Colchicine significantly potentiated the stimulatory effect of PGE1 although it did not have any effect on cAMP level in control lymphoblastoid cells. The maximal effect of colchicine on PGE1 stimulation of cAMP formation was at the 0.1–1.0 µM level. Human lymphocytes also responded with increased cAMP formation to colchicine addition. In contrast, no stimulatory effect of colchicine was found in human granulocytes.
Effects of Thymus Grafts in Nude Mice Transplanted with Human Malignant Tumors
Authors: Jacobsen Krag , Povlsen C.O. , Rygaard J.
Published: October 2008

The effects of neonatal thymus grafts implanted in nude mice previously transplanted with three different human malignant tumors – an adenocarcinoma of the colon, a malignant melanoma and a Burkitt’s lymphoma – were studied. In all immunologically reconstituted animals tumors were rejected. Tumor rejection started 2–3 weeks after thymus implantation, and was completed after 3–6 weeks. Histological examination of lymphoid tissues showed a correlation between immunological reconstitution and tumor rejection. The rejection process showed a characteristic histologic picture with 3 phases – an early, an intermediate and a late phase – these were similar in the three tumor types examined. The possible mechanisms of reconstitution and tumor rejection are discussed.
Time Dependency of a Critical Effect of EGTA on DNA Synthesis in Cultures of Swiss 3T3 Cells
Authors: Damluji R. , Riley P.A.
Published: October 2008

In a temporal analysis of the mitogenic response to serum, a critical period has been demonstrated just prior to the onset of replicative DNA synthesis during which transient calcium depletion blocks the subsequent entry of the cells into the S phase of the mitotic cycle. Transient washing of monolayer cultures of 3T3 cells with 2.5 mM EGTA between 6 and 8 h after serum-stimulated initiation of DNA synthesis was found to reduce cell-associated calcium levels and to inhibit thymidine incorporation, whereas similar treatment before (1–5 h) and after (8–9 h) had no detectable effect on either of these parameters when estimated after 21 h incubation. The effects during the chelation-sensitive period were reversed by the subsequent addition of fresh serum.
Induction of Macrophage Lysosomal Enzyme Secretion by Agents Acting at the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Dean Roger T. , Hylton W. , Allison A.C.
Published: October 2008

Cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages were shown to secrete the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (N-Ac-Glu) in response to IgG-Sepharose and some other non-endocytosable particles without substantial release of the cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase. The interaction with IgG-Sepharose was studied in some detail, and was shown to be time- and dose-dependent, and to leave the cells viable. Ovalbumin and glycine insolubilised on Sepharose did not induce secretion. By means of several control experiments, it was demonstrated that the IgG-Sepharose exerted its effects directly on the plasma membrane. Thus, normal macrophages can secrete in response to certain agents which act solely on the plasma membrane. This mechanism of induction of secretion is probably quite distinct from those previously established, which involve secretion during phagocytosis, during intracellular storage of phagocytosed materials or during pharmacological intervention by cytochalasin B.
Mutations in the HFE Gene and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: van der A Daphne L. , Rovers Maroeska M. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Marx Joannes J.M. , Waalen Jill , Ellervik Christina , Nordestgaard B�rge G. , Olynyk John K. , Mills Peter R. , Shepherd James , Grandchamp Bernard , Boer Jolanda M.A. , Caruso Calogero , Arca Marcello , Meyer Beat J. , van der Schouw Yvonne T.
Published: October 2008

Background—

Whether mutations in the hemochromatosis (HFE) gene increase cardiovascular disease risk is still undetermined. The main reason is the low frequency of the mutations, in particular of the compound C282Y/H63D genotype. We combined the data of 11 observational studies for an individual patient data meta-analysis.

Methods and Results—

Individual patient data were obtained from published as well as unpublished studies that had information available on the C282Y mutation as well as the H63D mutation in relation to coronary heart disease risk. Individual records were provided on each of the 53 880 participants in 11 studies. In total, 10 541 patients with coronary events were documented, of whom 5724 had an acute myocardial infarction. The crude and adjusted association between HFE genotypes and coronary events was examined by logistic regression analysis. We explored potential effect modification of the association between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and coronary events by HFE genotypes. After full adjustment, the odds ratio for coronary heart disease was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.92 to 1.37) for subjects with the compound heterozygous (C282Y/H63D) genotype relative to those with the wild-type/wild-type genotype. The odds ratios for C282Y/C282Y, C282Y/wild-type, H63D/H63D, and H63D/wild-type were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.49 to 1.26), 0.98 (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.07), 1.16 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.38), and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.14), respectively. There was no evidence for effect modification.

Conclusions—

The results of this large individual patient data meta-analysis do not support the view that HFE gene mutations are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or acute myocardial infarction.
Dialysis Accelerates Medial Vascular Calcification in Part by Triggering Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Shroff Rukshana C. , McNair Rosamund , Figg Nichola , Skepper Jeremy N. , Schurgers Leon , Gupta Ashmeet , Hiorns Melanie , Donald Ann E. , Deanfield John , Rees Lesley , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: October 2008

Background—

Vascular calcification is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in stage V chronic kidney disease, yet its early pathogenesis and initiating mechanisms in vivo remain poorly understood. To address this, we quantified the calcium (Ca) load in arteries from children (10 predialysis, 24 dialysis) and correlated it with clinical, biochemical, and vascular measures.

Methods and Results—

Vessel Ca load was significantly elevated in both predialysis and dialysis and was correlated with the patients’ mean serum Ca×phosphate product. However, only dialysis patients showed increased carotid intima-media thickness and increased aortic stiffness, and calcification on computed tomography was present in only the 2 patients with the highest Ca loads. Importantly, predialysis vessels appeared histologically intact, whereas dialysis vessels exhibited evidence of extensive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) loss owing to apoptosis. Dialysis vessels also showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity and Runx2 and osterix expression, indicative of VSMC osteogenic transformation. Deposition of the vesicle membrane marker annexin VI and vesicle component mineralization inhibitors fetuin-A and matrix Gla-protein increased in dialysis vessels and preceded von Kossa positive overt calcification. Electron microscopy showed hydroxyapatite nanocrystals within vesicles released from damaged/dead VSMCs, indicative of their role in initiating calcification.

Conclusions—

Taken together, this study shows that Ca accumulation begins predialysis, but it is the induction of VSMC apoptosis in dialysis that is the key event in disabling VSMC defense mechanisms and leading to overt calcification, eventually with clinically detectable vascular damage. Thus the identification of factors that lead to VSMC death in dialysis will be of prime importance in preventing vascular calcification.
Adenosine A3Receptor Deficiency Exerts Unanticipated Protective Effects on the Pressure-Overloaded Left Ventricle
Authors: Lu Zhongbing , Fassett John , Xu Xin , Hu Xinli , Zhu Guangshuo , French Joel , Zhang Ping , Schnermann Jurgen , Bache Robert J. , Chen Yingjie
Published: October 2008

Background—Endogenous adenosine can protect the overloaded heart against the development of hypertrophy and heart failure, but the contribution of A1receptors (A1R) and A3receptors (A3R) is not known.

Methods and Results—To test the hypothesis that A1R and A3R can protect the heart against systolic overload, we exposed A3R gene-deficient (A3R knockout [KO]) mice and A1R KO mice to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Contrary to our hypothesis, A3R KO attenuated 5-week TAC-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (ratio of ventricular mass/body weight increased to 7.6±0.3 mg/g in wild-type mice compared with 6.3±0.4 mg/g in KO mice), fibrosis, and dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction decreased to 43±2.5% and 55±4.2% in wild-type and KO mice, respectively). A3R KO also attenuated the TAC-induced increases of myocardial atrial natriuretic peptide and the oxidative stress markers 3′-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal. In contrast, A1R KO increased TAC-induced mortality but did not alter ventricular hypertrophy or dysfunction compared with wild-type mice. In mice in which extracellular adenosine production was impaired by CD73 KO, TAC caused greater hypertrophy and dysfunction and increased myocardial 3′-nitrotyrosine. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes induced to hypertrophy with phenylephrine, the adenosine analogue 2-chloroadenosine reduced cell area, protein synthesis, atrial natriuretic peptide, and 3′-nitrotyrosine. Antagonism of A3R significantly potentiated the antihypertrophic effects of 2-chloroadenosine.

Conclusions—Adenosine exerts protective effects on the overloaded heart, but the A3R acts counter to the protective effect of adenosine. The data suggest that selective attenuation of A3R activity might be a novel approach to treat pressure overload-induced left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction.
The Phonology and Syntax of Preverbal and Postverbal Subject Clitics in Northern Italian Dialects
Authors: Cardinaletti Anna , Repetti Lori
Published: October 2008

We argue that preverbal and postverbal subject clitics in northern Italian dialects are the same lexical items. The different forms of proclitics and enclitics can be explained phonologically (i.e., by phonological constraints ranked in a particular order) and by the hypothesis that morphologically neutral vowels may be inserted in final position (what we call morphological epenthesis). The distributional differences in the paradigm derive from a competition between overt clitics and null subjects that is resolved in an intricate way across sentence types and across dialects and that depends on the interaction of clitic and verb movement and on Minimize Structure.
Do Contributors to Intellect Explain the Moral Judgment Abilities of Gifted Youth?
Authors: Derryberry W. Pitt , Barger Brian
Published: October 2008

To assess reaction time and attributional complexity as factors contributing to the relatively high moral judgment of gifted youth, a sample of 30 gifted youth and 30 college students responded to a computerized measure of moral judgment development, which also indexed reaction time. Additionally, participants completed a measurement of attributional complexity and reported American College Test (ACT) scores. Statistically significant differences favored the gifted in moral judgment development, reaction time, and attributional complexity. Regression analysis revealed that attributional complexity explained a significant amount of variance, whereas ACT scores and reaction times accounted for minimal variance. Although reaction time did not predict moral judgment developmental difference, discussion is offered to suggest how gifted youth, such as those in this study, might benefit from using their reaction time when considering moral situations.

Putting the Research to Use: The results of this study support the view that complex information processing and reaction time abilities of gifted youth are transferred to their moral judgment development. In sum, in comparison with a control group of college students, the gifted youth considered in this study appeared to process reasons for moral decisions in a more in-depth manner and were able to do so in a more efficient manner. Currently, it is unknown why and how this occurs, whether obstacles exist that could block this process, and whether practices exist that could help to facilitate these areas. Applications of these findings should therefore expound on these issues so that the utility of research on gifted moral judgment ability is increased. Applied research should also focus on transferring this understanding to general populations in the hopes of affecting the understanding of moral judgment development overall.
A Study of Differentiated Instructional Change Over 3 Years
Authors: VanTassel-Baska Joyce , Xuemei Feng Annie , Brown Elissa , Bracken Bruce , Stambaugh Tamra , French Heather , McGowan Susan , Worley Bess , Quek Chwee , Wenyu Bai
Published: October 2008

This study examines Title 1 heterogeneous classroom teachers' instructional behavior change through implementing well-designed research-based curriculum units and attending regular professional development activities across 3 years. Employing an experimental design, this study compares experimental and comparison teachers' behavioral changes as measured by an observation scale of differentiated teaching strategies across 3 years. The results show that experimental teachers received statistically significant and educationally important higher ratings than comparison teachers on differentiated strategy use and effectiveness across 3 years. The study corroborates the research literature that shows that teachers' instructional improvement takes 2 years to manifest its effectiveness and to shape belief in student learning benefits.

Putting the Research to Use: This study suggests several areas of practical application. One area is in the reality versus the myth of professional development. These data suggest the need for multiple years of professional development, interspersed with observations that track the frequency and efficacy of targeting instructional behaviors. Thus, educational reformers must be clear about what change they want teachers to achieve and set about a 2- to 3-year plan for making it happen at the school level. This study also lends support to more systematic approaches to encouraging differentiation. It highlights the need for monitoring classroom implementation. The use of a well-validated observation tool such as the Classroom Observation Scale—Revised provides a venue for ongoing instructional monitoring and improvement. Moreover, embedding content pedagogy in actual curriculum for training reduces the chance for inaccurate teacher inferencing about how to employ a strategy effectively.
Preparation and Characterization of Epoxidized Styrene—Isoprene—Styrene Tri-block Copolymer Using Formic Acid—Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Hongqiang Li  , Xingrong Zeng  , Weiqing Wu
Published: October 2008

The epoxidized styrene—isoprene—styrene tri-block copolymer (ESIS) is prepared with performic acid generated in situ from hydrogen peroxide and formic acid. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, and the amounts of hydrogen peroxide, formic acid, and polyethylene glycol are studied on the mass fraction of epoxide groups. The structure of ESIS is characterized by GPC, FTIR, and 1H NMR. The oil resistance of ESIS is characterized by swelling ratio. The results show that when mol (HCOOH)/mol (C=C) and mol (H2O2)/mol (C=C) are 0.3 and 0.6, respectively, reaction temperature is 65°C, reaction time is 2.5 h, mass fraction of epoxide groups reach 15.3%. A small amount of PEG-400 is favorable to the epoxidation of styrene—isoprene—styrene. GPC analysis confirms that the molecular weight of ESIS has an increasing tendency and molecular distribution widens with the increase of mass fraction of epoxide groups. FTIR and 1H NMR results reveal that the order of reactivity of double bonds in polyisoprene block toward epoxidation is: cis-1,4-structure> trans-1,4-structure>3,4-structure. The oil resistance of ESIS increases markedly with increasing mass fraction of epoxide groups.
Relationship of Candidate Communication and Organization Skills to Oral Certification Examination Scores
Authors: Houston James E. , Smith Everett V.
Published: October 2008

This study investigated the relationship between candidate's proficiency in communication/organization and ability measures derived from judges' oral examination ratings on a medical specialty certification examination. Judges who rated candidates on the oral examination also provided a separate rating for candidates' communication/organization skills. ANOVA was used to examine differences among levels of communication/organizational skills with respect to candidates' ability measures on the oral examination. There was a statistically significant increase in oral examination measures for candidates with higher levels of communication/organization skills. This supports the hypothesis that candidates who were more proficient in organizing and presenting their responses were more likely to have better performance on the oral examination. Given communication and oral examination ratings were provided by the same judges, future research should investigate whether these preliminary findings generalize to situations in which communication ratings are obtained from independent ratings during and outside the oral examination.
A psychosocial analysis of child homicide
Authors: Stroud Julia
Published: October 2008

Child homicide has been a key influence on childcare policy and practice over the last three decades, with a particular focus on the assessment, management and monitoring of situations where children are at risk and on associated inter-agency working. A psychosocial analysis of the pre-offence experiences of 68 adults (mostly parents or carers) who killed or attempted to kill a child identified complex, intricate and heterogeneous processes in respect of their interpersonal relationships, stress and mental health and the relationship of these factors to the offence. These findings indicate that the current policy and practice focus upon procedures and performance in safeguarding children may not address successfully the complex needs of those adults who may pose a risk to children. It is suggested that appropriate therapeutic services should be more readily available.
Preference for place of care and place of death in palliative care: are these different questions?
Authors: Agar M , Currow DC , Shelby-James TM , Plummer J , Sanderson C , Abernethy AP
Published: October 2008

Place of death is at times suggested as an outcome for palliative care services. This study aimed to describe longitudinal preferences for place of care and place of death over time for patients and their caregivers. Longitudinal paired data of patient/caregiver dyads from a prospective unblinded cluster randomised control trial were used. Patients and caregivers were separately asked by the palliative care nurse their preference at that time for place of care and place of death. Longitudinal changes over time for both questions were mapped; patterns of agreement (patient and caregiver; and preference for place of death when last asked and actual placed of death) were analysed with kappa statistics. Seventy-one patient/caregiver dyads were analysed. In longitudinal preferences, preferences for both the place of care (asked a mean of >6 times) and place of death (asked a mean of >4 times) changed for patients (28% and 30% respectively) and caregivers (31% and 30%, respectively). In agreement between patients and caregivers, agreement between preference of place of care and preferred place of death when asked contemporaneously for patients and caregivers was low [56% (κ 0.33) and 36% (κ 0.35) respectively]. In preference versus actual place of death, preferences were met for 37.5% of participants for home death; 62.5% for hospital; 76.9% for hospice and 63.6% for aged care facility. This study suggests that there are two conversations: preference for current place of care and preference for care at the time of death. Place of care is not a euphemism for place of death; and further research is needed to delineate these. Patient and caregiver preferences may not change simultaneously. Implications of any mismatch between actual events and preferences need to be explored.
The use of cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for anxiety and depression in hospice patients: a feasibility study
Authors: Anderson T , Watson M , Davidson R
Published: October 2008

Anxiety and depression are common in palliative care patients. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been recommended as one possible treatment, and it has been suggested that non-mental health professionals may be able to treat milder disorders with CBT. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of CBT techniques in hospice patients is an acceptable intervention, and whether a palliative care professional with short CBT training can usefully apply such techniques. A feasibility study of a brief CBT intervention following training was conducted. Qualitative analysis was carried out on patient feedback from semi-structured interviews. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores pre-and post-intervention were analysed statistically. Eleven patients completed a short course using CBT techniques. The intervention was acceptable for 10 patients. One patient found it unacceptable due to advanced disease, lethargy and severe depression. Anxiety or depression symptoms were helped in eight patients. This study showed that a palliative care professional with short training in CBT was usefully able to apply CBT techniques to hospice patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression.
Exploring the experiences and perspectives of families using a children’s hospice and professionals providing hospice care to identify future research priorities for children’s hospice care
Authors: Malcolm C , Forbat L , Knighting K , Kearney N
Published: October 2008

The main objective of this study is to generate a list of priority topics for children’s hospice care research in Scotland from the perspective of its key stakeholders. The method consists of qualitative semi-structured interviews with families using hospice services ( n = 5), four focus groups with hospice staff and volunteers ( n = 44) and telephone interviews with professionals associated with the hospice ( n = 18). Fourteen broad themes emerged following thematic content and interpretive analysis of the interview data. Some of the research themes were specific to certain stakeholder groups, whereas other themes were identified unanimously across all the stakeholder groups as being priority areas for future research. Increasing awareness of and improving access to children’s hospice care, hospice and respite care needs of young people, community/home care and issues related to supporting the wider family arose, independently, in all three stakeholder groups as being priority topics for future research. In conclusion, a greater evidence base is required in the field of children’s palliative care and the topics researched should be identified and led by those most closely involved in the hospices. Engaging families and care providers in the process of identifying research priorities resulted in the development of an extensive research agenda, which will contribute to quality hospice care for children and families.
Effects of amisulpride on emotional memory using a dual-process model in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Gibbs AA , Naudts KH , Spencer EP , David AS
Published: October 2008

Memory dysfunction occurs in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. Therapeutic psychopharmacological agents may exacerbate such memory impairment. Detailed characterisation of drug-induced memory impairment is therefore important. We recently showed that the D2/D3antagonist amisulpride quantitatively impairs emotional memory in a randomised placebo-controlled study of 33 healthy volunteers. Current evidence suggests that two qualitatively different processes (recollection and familiarity) contribute to recognition memory and can be investigated using a Dual-Process Signal Detection model. Using such a model, we found that amisulpride levels at encoding were significantly inversely correlated with recollection estimates for emotional but not neutral stimuli or familiarity estimates in healthy male volunteers. This suggests that dopamine antagonism at encoding preferentially impairs the recollection component of emotional memory, relative to the familiarity component. This was supported by receiver operating characteristic analysis. We also found a significantly increased false recognition rate, associated with significantly shorter reaction times for emotional but not neutral stimuli in the amisulpride group. These findings have important implications for our understanding of recognition memory processes, as well as the interpretation of neuropsychological findings in medicated patients.
Relational Identities of Students, Families, and Educators
Authors: March Evangelia , Gaffney Janet S.
Published: October 2008

This retrospective study sketched the educational pathways of two seniors attending an alternative high school in an attempt to discern how relational identities of students, families, and educators are defining forces of such pathways. Cumulative school records and special education files were triangulated with interviews of the students, their guardians, and school personnel, beginning with students’ entry into preschool. Events, decisions, and experiences that shaped students’ educational pathways were identified. The interpretive reading of the data revealed the interplay among students’, educators’, and families’ identities and how they sustained, diverted, and redirected the journeys of participating students. Educators are called to be facilitators in the interplays among the student, school, and family identities through the development of committed relationships in school environments. Educators are critical mediators who can help students build resilience against stressors, a sense of belonging, and responsibility for creating lived trajectories that are personally and socially fulfilling.
Knowledge, Responsibilities, and Training Needs of Paraprofessionals in Elementary and Secondary Schools
Authors: Carter Erik , O'Rourke Laura , Sisco Lynn G. , Pelsue Danielle
Published: October 2008

The authors queried 313 paraprofessionals working in 77 elementary, middle, and high schools about (a) the contexts within which they support students with disabilities, (b) their knowledge about core competencies in educating these students, (c) the job-related tasks they perform most frequently, (d) their perceived ability to perform these tasks effectively, and (e) their need for further training across these knowledge and task areas. The authors found that paraprofessionals worked with a broad range of students in multiple types of classrooms within varied instructional contexts. Although most reported moderate levels of understanding across core knowledge standards, paraprofessionals articulated additional training needs in each area. In light of recent initiatives focused on increasing the quality of the special education workforce, recommendations for future research and improved practice in this area are provided.