bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Peer Influence on Disordered Eating Behavior
Authors: Meyer Tiffany A. , Gast Julie
Published: July 2008

Peer influence has been found to be correlated with a host of harmful health behaviors. However, little research has been conducted investigating the relationship between peer influence and disordered eating. The present study surveyed 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade girls and boys using the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and Inventory of Peer Influence (I-PIEC). This study found a significant positive correlation between peer influence and disordered eating. Multiple regression analyses revealed that peer influence was equally present in both males and females. There were no significant differences between males and females and EDI or I-PIEC scores. The likeability construct of peer influence was the most significant predictor of disordered eating in this study. School nurses are in a unique position to educate both male and female students about the dangers of disordered eating behaviors as well as identify students who may be at risk for these behaviors.
Is School-Based Height and Weight Screening of Elementary Students Private and Reliable?
Authors: Stoddard Sarah A. , Kubik Martha Y. , Skay Carol
Published: July 2008

The Institute of Medicine recommends school-based body mass index (BMI) screening as an obesity prevention strategy. While school nurses have provided height/weight screening for years, little has been published describing measurement reliability or process. This study evaluated the reliability of height/weight measures collected by school nurses and the privacy of the measurement process. Interrater reliability for height/weight measures was computed on 70 elementary students, comparing measurements collected by a trained researcher to those collected by 7 school nurses. Students arrived in small groups to private measurement spaces. Height agreement was 80% for younger and 85% for older students. Agreement for weight was 97% and 100%, respectively. Reliability for weight was very good. Reliability for height was good, but results suggest careful attention to the collection process is required. Nurses may benefit from regular training on measurement procedures. The results of this study suggest that school nurses provide BMI screening that is private and reliable.
School Nurse Book Clubs: An Innovative Strategy for Lifelong Learning
Authors: Greenawald Deborah A. , Adams Theresa M.
Published: July 2008

Recognizing the ongoing need for continuing education for school nurses, the authors discuss the use of school nurse book clubs as an innovative lifelong-learning strategy. Current research supports the use of literature in nursing education. This article discusses the benefits of book club participation for school nurses and includes suggested fiction and nonfiction books that can be used to enhance nursing knowledge and practice. Through reading and discussion, school nurses can increase their knowledge of nursing history and current health care issues, thus becoming better prepared to address challenging issues that arise in practice. In addition, the use of literature as a learning strategy allows school nurses to broaden their understanding of unique cultural factors that influence the health beliefs and practices of students and their families. Book club participation can also assist school nurses in honing leadership and communication skills and becoming energized to become better advocates for children and families.
Loneliness in the School Setting
Authors: Krause-Parello Cheryl A.
Published: July 2008

Loneliness is a phenomenon that has been recorded in literature throughout the ages. It is now being recognized as problem not only in adults but in children and adolescents as well. Loneliness is an emotional state that can be a barrier to a student’s social development and affect their physical and mental health. Various contributing factors and recognizable situations that contribute to loneliness have been identified. Loneliness is also risk factor for other related health problems. It is important for school nurses to be alert to symptoms of loneliness and know how to assist students to cope with loneliness in the school setting.
“I Feel Good!” A Weekly Wellness Radio Broadcast for Elementary School Children
Authors: Morton Jennifer L.
Published: July 2008

An ideal time to start health promotion education is during the elementary years. However, over the last several years, many elementary schools have eliminated formal health education from their curriculum, subsequently integrating health education components into existing classroom content. The “I Feel Good!” radio broadcast is an innovative health education program that meets the health education standards of the Maine Learning Results. Ten classrooms of students participated in this year-long academic program. Scores from a pretest administered prior to the beginning of the program were compared with posttest health knowledge scores at the end of the program. Data from all classrooms revealed an increase in posttest knowledge. Initiatives such as “I Feel Good!” serve as models for creative health education program development by school nurses.
Safety-Net Hospitals
Authors: Zwanziger Jack , Khan Nasreen
Published: July 2008

Vulnerable populations, who have difficulty accessing the health care system, primarily receive their medical care from hospitals. Policy makers have struggled to ensure the survival of “safety-net hospitals,” hospitals that provide a disproportionate share of care to these patient populations. The objective of this article is to develop measures to guide analysis and policy for urban safety-net hospitals. The authors developed three safety-net measures: the socioeconomic status of hospital service area, Medicaid intensity, and uncompensated care burden and its market share. Cluster analysis was used to identify break points that distinguish a safety-net hospital from a non-safety-net hospital. The measures developed were stable and independent, but a data-driven binary assignment of hospitals to a “safety-net” category was not supported. These analyses call into question the empirical basis for distinguishing a specific group of hospitals as safety-net hospitals.
Civic Engagement, Ethnic Heterogeneity, and Social Capital in Urban Areas
Authors: Andrews Rhys
Published: July 2008

Scholars and policy makers argue that civic engagement is intrinsically linked to social capital. In particular, they assume that political participation and associational activity can minimize negative externalities for social capital associated with ethnic heterogeneity, such as mistrust and lack of respect. This research note tests this assumption by analyzing the relationship between civic engagement, ethnic heterogeneity, and perceptions of mutual respect and social cohesion among citizens in urban local government areas across England. The statistical results suggest that associational life is positively associated with social capital and that political participation enhances perceptions of mutual respect in ethnically diverse areas. The evidence provides support for arguments that civic engagement can moderate negative externalities for social capital associated with ethnic heterogeneity.
Preoperative Evaluation for Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Bernstein Wendy K. , Deshpande Seema
Published: July 2008

The goal of the preoperative evaluation for thoracic surgery is to assess and implement measures to decrease perioperative complications and prepare high-risk patients for surgery. Major respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, occur in 15% to 20% of patients and account for most of the 3% to 4% mortality rate. Development of pulmonary complications has been associated with higher postoperative mortality rates. Strategies aimed at preventing postoperative difficulties have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality, decrease hospital stay, and improve resource use. One lung ventilation leads to a significant derangement of gas exchange, and hypoxemia can develop due to increased intrapulmonary shunting. Recent advances in anesthetic management, monitoring devices, improved lung isolation techniques, and improved critical care management have increased the number of patients who were previously considered inoperable. In addition, there is a growing tendency to offer surgery to patients with significant lung function impairment; hence a higher incidence of intraoperative gas-exchange abnormalities can be expected. The anesthesiologist must also consider the risks of denying or postponing a potentially curative operation in patients with lung cancer. Detailed consideration of the information provided by preoperative testing is essential to successful outcomes following thoracic surgery.
Appropriate Ventilatory Settings for Thoracic Surgery: Intraoperative and Postoperative
Authors: Lytle Francis Theodore , Brown Daniel R.
Published: July 2008

Mechanical ventilation of patients undergoing thoracic surgery is often challenging. These patients frequently have significant underlying comorbidities, including cardiopulmonary disease, and often must undergo 1-lung ventilation. Perioperative respiratory complications are common and are multifactorial in etiology. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical ventilation is associated with, and may even cause, lung damage in both sick and healthy patients. Gas exchange to provide acceptable end-organ oxygenation remains a primary goal but so too is minimization of risks for acute lung injury. Every ventilator strategy is associated with potential beneficial and adverse side effects. Understanding the impact of various ventilation strategies allows clinicians to provide optimal care for patients.
Anesthetic Management of Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: MacKnight Brenda , Martinez Elizabeth A. , Simon Brett A.
Published: July 2008

Advances in the treatment of patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension have greatly improved their functional status and longevity, and increasing numbers of these complex patients are presenting for elective noncardiac surgery. In this communication we will briefly review the classification and pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, summarize outpatient pharmacotherapy approaches, and discuss the perioperative preparation and management of these complex patients. With an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and pharmacology of these new therapies, combined with careful perioperative planning and care, these patients can safely undergo elective surgical procedures.
Correlation between DJ-1 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and the progression of disabilities in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Hirotani M , Maita C , Niino M , Iguchi-Ariga SM , Hamada S , Ariga H , Sasaki H
Published: July 2008

Objectives

DJ-1 plays a key role in the anti-oxidative stress function. Increasing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the DJ-1 levels were increased in patients with MS and to examine its association with the progression of MS.

Methods

Quantitative immunoblot assays were performed to evaluate the DJ-1 level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from relapsing–remitting patients with MS ( n = 29), disease controls subjects ( n = 14), and healthy subjects ( n = 44).

Results

No significant difference was observed in the serum DJ-1 level among the patients with MS, disease controls, and healthy controls. However, the CSF DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in the patients with MS than in the disease control subjects ( P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was also found between the CSF DJ-1 levels and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score ( P < 0.005, r = 0.501).

Conclusions

These results show that the CSF DJ-1 levels are significantly increased in the CSF of patients with MS and that the CSF DJ-1 levels may be associated with the disease progression of MS. Therefore, DJ-1 possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS.
Canadian treatment optimization recommendations (TOR) as a predictor of disease breakthrough in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon β-1a: analysis of the PRISMS study
Authors: Freedman MS , Forrestal FG
Published: July 2008

Background

Early intervention with an effective disease-modifying drug (DMD) offers the best chance of limiting the inflammatory process that contributes to irreversible axonal damage correlating with disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). It is equally important to ascertain fairly quickly whether patients are responding positively to the choice of therapy to allow time for either a treatment modification or a switch in treatment, a process we termed “treatment optimization”. Various treatment optimization recommendations (TOR) have been proposed to help decide when a patient taking an MS DMD might be showing a sub-optimal response. We have applied the clinical scheme proposed by the Canadian TOR to the patients involved in the Prevention of Relapses and disability by Interferon Subcutaneously in MS 4-year (PRISMS-4) study, who received interferon β-1a treatment for 4 years, with the TOR applied retrospectively at year 1.

Objective

The aim of this investigation was to examine whether these TOR were able to predict which patients would go on to develop disease breakthrough (defined as any relapses or disease progression), indicative of a sub-optimal response over the ensuing 3 years of study and therefore might have benefited from a change in treatment.

Results

We found 39% of patients receiving therapy experienced either a medium or high level of concern of breakthrough after a year of treatment, and 89% of these patients went on to develop further breakthrough over years 2–4. Although 67% of the 61% of patients having no or low-level concern after a year of treatment also experienced further disease breakthrough, it was significantly less than the medium or high group.

Conclusion

This study shows that the Canadian TOR may be an important tool for early treatment optimization.
Active Multimodal Psychotherapy in Children and Adolescents with Suicidality: Description, Evaluation and Clinical Profile
Authors: Högberg Göran , Hällström Tore
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the clinical pattern of 14 youths with presenting suicidality, to describe an integrative treatment approach, and to estimate therapy effectiveness. Fourteen patients aged 10 to 18 years from a child and adolescent outpatient clinic in Stockholm were followed in a case series. The patients were treated with active multimodal psychotherapy. This consisted of mood charting by mood-maps, psycho-education, wellbeing practice and trauma resolution. Active techniques were psychodrama and body—mind focused techniques including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. The patients were assessed before treatment, immediately after treatment and at 22 months post treatment with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. The clinical pattern of the group was observed. After treatment there was a significant change towards normality in the Global Assessment of Functioning scale both immediately post-treatment and at 22 months. A clinical pattern, post trauma suicidal reaction, was observed with a combination of suicidality, insomnia, bodily symptoms and disturbed mood regulation. We conclude that in the post trauma reaction suicidality might be a presenting symptom in young people. Despite the shortcomings of a case series the results of this study suggest that a mood-map-based multimodal treatment approach with active techniques might be of value in the treatment of children and youth with suicidality.
Effects of residential changes and time patterns on external-cause mortality in migrants: Results of a German cohort study
Authors: Ott Jördis Jennifer , Winkler Volker , Kyobutungi Catherine , Laki Judit , Becher Heiko
Published: July 2008

Aims: Immigrants are at increased risk of dying from external causes, particularly suicide. This study presents mortality data from a complete follow-up of a cohort of immigrants from the Former Soviet Union to Germany. Number of residential changes after migration and time period between residential change and death are analysed as predictors for suicide and other causes of mortality. Methods: A representative cohort of immigrants (n=34,393) was followed up until 31 December 2002. Residential changes were monitored through city registries. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated for all causes of death and external causes of death (suicides, accidents, other external causes) and deaths attributable to psychoactive substance use. Data on residential change were analysed using Poisson regression to examine differences in external-cause mortality among immigrants who changed residence after immigration. Mortality rates by time since changing residence were calculated, and linear regression analysis was performed to model the effect of cause of death on the time interval between residential change and death. Results: Male immigrants had a significantly higher risk of dying from external causes and suicide than Germans, and this increases with frequency of residential changes. Suicide mortality was significantly higher shortly after residential change. Linear regression showed that time to death after residential change was 2.5 times shorter for suicide than for any other cause. Conclusions: High risk of death from external causes and from deaths attributable to substance abuse in immigrants suggests integration problems. Preventive efforts at targeted integration programmes for immigrants, in particular shortly after residential change, are recommended.
Regional differences in alcohol consumption, alcohol addiction and drug use among Swedish adults
Authors: Bränström Richard , Andréasson Sven
Published: July 2008

Introduction: Alcohol consumption and drug use, as well as alcohol- and drug-related problems, vary considerably in different regions in Sweden, and between men and women of different ages. Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the regional, gender and socioeconomic distribution of risk consumption of alcohol, alcohol dependency and drug use in a random sample in Sweden. Material and methods: In both May 2003 and 2004, 7200 gender-stratified adults (a total of 14,400), randomly selected from 12 regions in Sweden, were contacted by mail, and asked to fill out an enclosed questionnaire. The questionnaire concerned use of alcohol, alcohol-related problems, and use of illicit drugs. Results: Heavy alcohol consumption and cannabis use were more frequent in the south of Sweden than in the north, and the further north, the lower the frequency. Alcohol and drug use decreased with age, and was higher for men than for women. On average, 11.5% of all men and 5.0% of all women consumed alcohol intensively at least weekly, 8.6% of men and 4.5% of women had a generally high alcohol consumption, 4.1% of men and 2.5% of women were alcohol addicted, and 2.9% of men and 1.3% of women had used cannabis during the last 12 months. Conclusions: High alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs seem to be more prevalent in those parts of Sweden that are closer to the European continent. In our opinion, this might be an effect of the closeness to other European countries with lower prices for alcohol, less strict alcohol control policies, and higher availability of drugs. Consideration of regional, gender and age differences in problems related to alcohol and drugs seem to be important in the planning and development of preventive activities.
The mismeasure of punishment
Authors: Frost Natasha A.
Published: July 2008

Over the past few decades, scholars of punishment and social control have increasingly lamented the punitive turn in criminal justice policy. The perpetually growing size of prison populations has typically been portrayed as the end result of (indeed evidence of) an increasingly punitive criminal justice response. Although many recognize that the size of prison populations ultimately depends upon both the flow into and out of prisons, the vast majority of empirical work has relied on imprisonment rates, based on one-day counts of prison populations, as the dependent variable indicative of increasing punitiveness in imprisonment. In this article, state-level variations in imprisonment rates and in the determinants of those rates — admissions and length of stay — are explored. The findings demonstrate that state punitiveness rankings shift substantially depending on the measure of punitiveness and that the use of imprisonment rates as the sole measure of punitiveness masks substantial state-level variations across the functional determinants of those rates. The empirical findings suggest that social scientists studying punitiveness theoretically or empirically should distinguish the propensity to imprison from penal intensity. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for theoretical and empirical work.
Why are English Youths More Violent Than Swedish Youths?
Authors: Wikström Per-Olof H. , Svensson Robert
Published: July 2008

Most cross-national studies of crime and violence explore variation in levels of crime without empirically addressing the causes of these variations. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of the situational action theory of crime causation (e.g. Wikström 2006), in this study we aim to explore and test whether the difference in levels of violence among young people in England and Sweden can be explained (fully or partly) by country differences in young people's crime propensities and lifestyles and their interaction. To achieve this we use data from the English Peterborough Youth Study and the Swedish Eskilstuna Youth Study. The findings show that in both cities (1) young people's self-reported violent behaviour is predicted by crime propensity and lifestyle, and their interaction, and (2) a substantial proportion (40 percent) of the difference in the level of violence vanishes when taking into account national differences in young people's crime propensity and lifestyles. We conclude that the findings support the notion that one major cause of the difference in the level of violence among young people in England and Sweden is that more young people in England have a higher crime propensity and are living criminogenic lifestyles than in Sweden.
Expanding Participation in Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® by Improving Enrollment
Authors: Bass Elizabeth , Rowe Meredeth A. , Moreno Monica , McKenzie Barbara
Published: July 2008

Every adult with a diagnosis of progressive dementia is at risk for wandering away or becoming lost. Those with dementia may not have the capacity to remember crucial contact information or recognize an unsafe situation, so enrollment in a program like Alzheimer's Association Safe Return is crucial. One facility-level enrollment plan at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Florida has had a relatively high participation rate. A mailed survey was used to help evaluate that enrollment process and the results are described here. Of 262 respondents to the survey, 193 (74%) indicated the person with dementia enrolled in Safe Return. Potential enrollees need the following facilitators: perception of an unsafe situation, financial support and easy processing. Safe Return is not just focused on those who wander but is essential for all persons with dementia as these individuals can become lost in the course of normal daily activities.
Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Primary Care Practice: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Simkin-Silverman Laurey R. , Conroy Molly B. , King Wendy C.
Published: July 2008

Obesity is commonly encountered in primary care practice. Yet many patients who are overweight or obese are not identified, and those who are do not receive adequate treatment or referral. For many primary care providers, barriers to addressing weight control with patients include lack of time, limited training and resources, patient readiness to change, and inadequate insurance reimbursement. Studies that have evaluated weight control interventions in primary care vary tremendously in design and methodology. Most studies have focused on primary care provider training or practice-level interventions, or they have combined physician and nutrition counseling. Although results from these studies are encouraging, more randomized clinical trials are needed in this area. Future avenues for study include electronic health records, computer-tailored interventions, and translation of efficacious weight control interventions into primary care settings.
Exercise Nutrition for Adults Older Than 40 Years
Authors: Melanson Kathleen J.
Published: July 2008

In general, nutrient needs do not change much for older individuals who exercise regularly yet moderately for the purposes of chronic disease risk reduction. Overall diets should reflect those recommended by such authorities as the American Dietetic, Heart, and Diabetes Associations, with special attention to ensuring ample protein and antioxidant intakes. Proper timing and amounts of nutrients consumed before physical activity should be practiced, to ensure adequate fueling while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort. Consuming energy during activities lasting less than 90 minutes is unnecessary if the individual is well fueled before starting. After exercise, consuming a blend of carbohydrate and protein is often advocated for glycogen resynthesis and muscle protein repair, but the importance of this for those not engaging in regular vigorous activity remains to be clarified. Adequate hydration is critical to physical performance and health during exercise, particularly in the heat. Because thirst might not sufficiently reflect fluid needs of older individuals, this matter deserves special attention. Sports drinks are generally not necessary for events lasting less than 60 minutes and may provide unwanted calories, sugars, and sodium for older exercisers. Naturally occurring sources of electrolytes may be preferable.
Amphiboles from the Kola Superdeep Borehole: Fe3+ contents from
crystal-chemical analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Uvarova Y. , Sokolova E. , Hawthorne F. C. , McCammon C. A. , Kazansky V. I. , Lobanov K. V.
Published: July 2008

The crystal structures of a suite of amphiboles from the Kola Superdeep
Borehole, Russia, have been refined to R values of ∼3% using single-crystal Mo-Kα
X-ray diffraction data. The same crystals used in the collection of the intensity
data were subsequently analysed by electron microprobe (EMP) and milliprobe
Mössbauer spectroscopy. Site populations were assigned from the results of
site-scattering refinement and stereochemical analysis, taking into account the
unit formula determined for each crystal. The
Fe3+/(Fe2++Fe3+)
values were derived (1) by least-squares refinement of the Mössbauer spectra, and
(2) SREF (Structure REFinement) by careful analysis of the mean bond lengths at
the M(2) site using two possible models for the
behaviour of Ti4+: (i) Ti4+ at
M(2); and (ii) Ti4+ at
M(1). The agreement between the SREF and
Mössbauer/EMP values for Fe3+ is very close for Ti4+ assigned
to M(2). This result indicates that the calculation of
Fe3+ contents in amphiboles from refined site populations
and  distances are accurate. This paper
presents the first confirmation of this result.
An early metamorphic stage for the Variscan Ulten Zone gneiss (NE Italy): evidence from mineral inclusions in kyanite
Authors: Braga R. , Massonne H.-J. , Morten L.
Published: July 2008

The earlyP-Tevolution of a garnet-kyanite gneiss from the Variscan Ulten Zone has been defined by detailed petrographic observations leading to the detection of chlorite-epidote- and staurolite-bearing assemblages enclosed in kyanite porphyroblasts. Calculations ofP-Tpseudosections in the system NaCaKFeMgAlSiHO allowed us to constrain the evolution of these relics to the earliest metamorphic stages. The overall path shows aP-Tincrease to a peak of 11–12 kbar and 600–650°C followed by decompressional heating to 720°C and 9–10 kbar and final cooling at 7 kbar, 550–600°C. This clockwiseP-Tpath reflects crustal thickening and subsequent thermal decay related to the continental collision of the Variscan orogeny 330–340 Ma ago. Our study demonstrates that large kyanite porphyroblasts may preserve assemblages related to prograde metamorphic stages. As a result, the detection of mineral inclusions in kyanite can complement many similar studies on mineral suites hosted in garnet and zircon.
PRFdb: A database of computationally predicted eukaryotic programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift signals
Authors: Belew Ashton T , Hepler Nicholas L , Jacobs Jonathan L , Dinman Jonathan D
Published: July 2008

Background

The Programmed Ribosomal Frameshift Database (PRFdb) provides an interface to help researchers identify potential programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift (-1 PRF) signals in eukaryotic genes or sequences of interest.

Results

To identify putative -1 PRF signals, sequences are first imported from whole genomes or datasets, e.g. the yeast genome project and mammalian gene collection. They are then filtered through multiple algorithms to identify potential -1 PRF signals as defined by a heptameric slippery site followed by an mRNA pseudoknot. The significance of each candidate -1 PRF signal is evaluated by comparing the predicted thermodynamic stability (ΔG°) of the native mRNA sequence against a distribution of ΔG° values of a pool of randomized sequences derived from the original. The data have been compiled in a user-friendly, easily searchable relational database.

Conclusion

The PRFdB enables members of the research community to determine whether genes that they are investigating contain potential -1 PRF signals, and can be used as a metasource of information for cross referencing with other databases. It is available on the web at http://dinmanlab.umd.edu/prfdb.
Desflurane consumption during automated closed-circuit delivery is higher than when a conventional anesthesia machine is used with a simple vaporizer-O2-N2O fresh gas flow sequence
Authors: De Cooman Sofie , De Mey Nathalie , Dewulf Bram BC , Carette Rik , Deloof Thierry , Sosnowski Maurice , De Wolf Andre M , Hendrickx Jan FA
Published: July 2008

Background

The Zeus® (Dräger, Lübeck, Germany), an automated closed-circuit anesthesia machine, uses high fresh gas flows (FGF) to wash-in the circuit and the lungs, and intermittently flushes the system to remove unwanted N2. We hypothesized this could increase desflurane consumption to such an extent that agent consumption might become higher than with a conventional anesthesia machine (Anesthesia Delivery Unit [ADU®], GE, Helsinki, Finland) used with a previously derived desflurane-O2-N2O administration schedule that allows early FGF reduction.

Methods

Thirty-four ASA PS I or II patients undergoing plastic, urologic, or gynecologic surgery received desflurane in O2/N2O. In the ADU group (n = 24), an initial 3 min high FGF of O2 and N2O (2 and 4 L.min-1, respectively) was used, followed by 0.3 L.min-1 O2 + 0.4 L.min-1 N2O. The desflurane vaporizer setting (FD) was 6.5% for the first 15 min, and 5.5% during the next 25 min. In the Zeus group (n = 10), the Zeus® was used in automated closed circuit anesthesia mode with a selected end-expired (FA) desflurane target of 4.6%, and O2/N2O as the carrier gases with a target inspired O2% of 30%. Desflurane FA and consumption during the first 40 min were compared using repeated measures one-way ANOVA.

Results

Age and weight did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05), but patients in the Zeus group were taller (P = 0.04). In the Zeus group, the desflurane FA was lower during the first 3 min (P < 0.05), identical at 4 min (P > 0.05), and slightly higher after 4 min (P < 0.05). Desflurane consumption was higher in the Zeus group at all times, a difference that persisted after correcting for the small difference in FA between the two groups.

Conclusion

Agent consumption with an automated closed-circuit anesthesia machine is higher than with a conventional anesthesia machine when the latter is used with a specific vaporizer-FGF sequence. Agent consumption during automated delivery might be further reduced by optimizing the algorithm(s) that manages the initial FGF or by tolerating some N2 in the circuit to minimize the need for intermittent flushing.
Viral complementation allows HIV-1 replication without integration
Authors: Gelderblom Huub C , Vatakis Dimitrios N , Burke Sean A , Lawrie Steven D , Bristol Gregory C , Levy David N
Published: July 2008

Background

The integration of HIV-1 DNA into cellular chromatin is required for high levels of viral gene expression and for the production of new virions. However, the majority of HIV-1 DNA remains unintegrated and is generally considered a replicative dead-end. A limited amount of early gene expression from unintegrated DNA has been reported, but viral replication does not proceed further in cells which contain only unintegrated DNA. Multiple infection of cells is common, and cells that are productively infected with an integrated provirus frequently also contain unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. Here we examine the influence of an integrated provirus on unintegrated HIV-1 DNA (uDNA).

Results

We employed reporter viruses and quantitative real time PCR to examine gene expression and virus replication during coinfection with integrating and non-integrating HIV-1. Most cells which contained only uDNA displayed no detected expression from fluorescent reporter genes inserted into early (Rev-independent) and late (Rev-dependent) locations in the HIV-1 genome. Coinfection with an integrated provirus resulted in a several fold increase in the number of cells displaying uDNA early gene expression and efficiently drove uDNA into late gene expression. We found that coinfection generates virions which package and deliver uDNA-derived genomes into cells; in this way uDNA completes its replication cycle by viral complementation. uDNA-derived genomes undergo recombination with the integrated provirus-derived genomes during second round infection.

Conclusion

This novel mode of retroviral replication allows survival of viruses which would otherwise be lost because of a failure to integrate, amplifies the effective amount of cellular coinfection, increases the replicating HIV-1 gene pool, and enhances the opportunity for diversification through errors of polymerization and recombination.
Regulation of primate lentiviral RNA dimerization by structural entrapment
Authors: Baig Tayyba T , Strong Christy L , Lodmell J Stephen , Lanchy Jean-Marc
Published: July 2008

Background

Genomic RNA dimerization is an important process in the formation of an infectious lentiviral particle. One of the signals involved is the stem-loop 1 (SL1) element located in the leader region of lentiviral genomic RNAs which also plays a role in encapsidation and reverse transcription. Recent studies revealed that HIV types 1 and 2 leader RNAs adopt different conformations that influence the presentation of RNA signals such as SL1. To determine whether common mechanisms of SL1 regulation exist among divergent lentiviral leader RNAs, here we compare the dimerization properties of SIVmac239, HIV-1, and HIV-2 leader RNA fragments using homologous constructs and experimental conditions. Prior studies from several groups have employed a variety of constructs and experimental conditions.

Results

Although some idiosyncratic differences in the dimerization details were observed, we find unifying principles in the regulation strategies of the three viral RNAs through long- and short-range base pairing interactions. Presentation and efficacy of dimerization through SL1 depends strongly upon the formation or dissolution of the lower stem of SL1 called stem B. SL1 usage may also be down-regulated by long-range interactions involving sequences between SL1 and the first codons of the gag gene.

Conclusion

Despite their sequence differences, all three lentiviral RNAs tested in this study showed a local regulation of dimerization through the stabilization of SL1.
Integrated modeling and experimental approach for determining transcription factor profiles from fluorescent reporter data
Authors: Huang Zuyi , Senocak Fatih , Jayaraman Arul , Hahn Juergen
Published: July 2008

Background

The development of quantitative models of signal transduction, as well as parameter estimation to improve existing models, depends on the ability to obtain quantitative information about various proteins that are part of the signaling pathway. However, commonly-used measurement techniques such as Western blots and mobility shift assays provide only qualitative or semi-quantitative data which cannot be used for estimating parameters. Thus there is a clear need for techniques that enable quantitative determination of signal transduction intermediates.

Results

This paper presents an integrated modeling and experimental approach for quantitatively determining transcription factor profiles from green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter data. The technique consists of three steps: (1) creating data sets for green fluorescent reporter systems upon stimulation, (2) analyzing the fluorescence images to determine fluorescence intensity profiles using principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering, and (3) computing the transcription factor concentration from the fluorescence intensity profiles by inverting a model describing transcription, translation, and activation of green fluorescent proteins.

We have used this technique to quantitatively characterize activation of the transcription factor NF-κB by the cytokine TNF-α. In addition, we have applied the quantitative NF-κB profiles obtained from our technique to develop a model for TNF-α signal transduction where the parameters were estimated from the obtained data.

Conclusion

The technique presented here for computing transcription factor profiles from fluorescence microscopy images of reporter cells generated quantitative data on the magnitude and dynamics of NF-κB activation by TNF-α. The obtained results are in good agreement with qualitative descriptions of NF-κB activation as well as semi-quantitative experimental data from the literature. The profiles computed from the experimental data have been used to re-estimate parameters for a NF-κB model and the results of additional experiments are predicted very well by the model with the new parameter values. While the presented approach has been applied to NF-κB and TNF-α signaling, it can be used to determine the profile of any transcription factor as long as GFP reporter fluorescent profiles are available.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor in the human and the sand rat intervertebral disc
Authors: Gruber Helen E , Ingram Jane A , Hoelscher Gretchen , Zinchenko Natalia , Norton H James , Hanley Edward N
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was first identified in the intervertebral disc (IVD) when its molecular upregulation was observed in sections of nucleus pulposus cultured under conditions of increased osmolarity. BDNF is now known to be involved in a number of biologic functions, including regulation of differentiation/survival of sensory neurons, regulation of nociceptive function and central pain modulation, and modulation of inflammatory pain hypersensitivity. In addition, more recent investigations show that BDNF can induce the recruitment of endothelial cells and the formation of vascular structures. The objectives of the present study were to use immunocytochemistry to determine the distribution of BDNF and its receptor (BDNF-tropomyosine receptor kinase B) in the human IVD, and to test for gene expression of BDNF and its receptor in cultured human annulus fibrosus cells.

Methods

We studied immunohistochemical localization of BDNF and its receptor in the human annulus, quantified the percentage of outer annulus and inner annulus cells and nucleus cells positive for BDNF immunolocalization, and studied the gene expression of BDNF and its receptor using microarray analysis.

Results

The percentage (mean ± standard error of the mean) of cells positive for BDNF localization was significantly greater in the outer annulus (32.3 ± 2.7%, n = 22) compared with either the inner annulus (8.1 ± 1.5%, n = 6) or the nucleus (10.4 ± 2.8%, n = 3) (P < 0.0001). BDNF-receptor immunolocalization showed a pattern similar to that of BDNF, but was not quantitatively assessed. BDNF gene expression levels from cultured annulus cells showed a significant positive correlation with increasing levels of IVD degeneration (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

These findings provide data on the presence of BDNF and its receptor in the human IVD at the translational level, and on the expression of BDNF and its receptor by cultured human annulus cells. Our findings point to the need for further studies to define the role of BDNF in the human IVD and to investigate regulatory events within the disc that control the expression of BDNF and its receptor.
Human dendritic cell activities are modulated by the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, mainly through PPARγ:RXR heterodimers: comparison with other polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Zapata-Gonzalez Fernando , Rueda Felix , Petriz Jordi , Domingo Pere , Villarroya Francesc , Diaz-Delfin Julieta , de Madariaga Maria A , Domingo Joan C
Published: July 2008

There is accumulating evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may modulate immune responses. When monocytes were differentiated to dendritic cells (DCs) in the presence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the expression of costimulatory and antigen presentation markers was altered in a concentration-dependent way, positively or negatively, depending on the markers tested and the maturation stage of the DCs. Changes induced by eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid were similar but less intense than those of DHA, whereas oleic acid had almost no effect. DHA-treated, mature DCs showed inhibition of IL-6 expression and IL-10 and IL-12 secretion, and their lymphoproliferative stimulation capacity was impaired. The phenotypic alterations of DCs induced by DHA were similar to those already reported for Rosiglitazone (Rosi), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activator, and the retinoid 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA), a retinoid X receptor (RXR) activator. Moreover, DHA induced the expression of PPARγ target genes pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 and aP-2 in immature DCs. The combination of DHA with Rosi or 9cRA produced additive effects. Furthermore, when DCs were cultured in the presence of a specific PPARγ inhibitor, all of the changes induced by DHA were blocked. Together, these results strongly suggest that the PPARγ:RXR heterodimer is the pathway component activated by DHA to induce its immunomodulatory effect on DCs.
Dual acylation and lipid raft association of Src-family protein tyrosine kinases are required for SDF-1/CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis in the Jurkat human T cell lymphoma cell line
Authors: Zaman Sabiha N , Resek Mary E , Robbins Stephen M
Published: July 2008

Chemokines play pivotal roles in regulating a wide variety of biological processes by modulating cell migration and recruitment. Deregulation of chemokine signaling can alter cell recruitment, contributing to the pathogenic states associated with autoimmune disease, inflammatory disorders, and sepsis. During chemotaxis, lipid rafts and their resident signaling molecules have been demonstrated to partition to different parts of the cell. Herein, we investigated the role of lipid raft resident Src-family kinases (SFK) in stromal cell-derived factor 1/CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis. We have shown that Lck-deficient J. CaM 1.6 cells are defective in CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis in contrast to their parental counterpart, Jurkat cells. Ectopic expression of the SFK hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck) in J. CaM 1.6 cells reconstituted CXCL12 responsiveness. The requirement of lipid raft association of SFK was assessed using both isoforms of Hck: the dually acylated p59Hck isoform that is targeted to lipid rafts and the monoacylated p61Hck isoform that is nonraft-associated. We have shown using several gain and loss of acylation alleles that dual acylation of Hck was required for CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis in J. CaM 1.6 cells. These results highlight the importance of the unique microenvironment provided by lipid rafts and their specific contribution in providing specificity to CXCL12 signaling.
DNA Damage and Repair Capacity in Patients With Lung Cancer: Prediction of Multiple Primary Tumors
Authors: Orlow Irene , Park Bernard J. , Mujumdar Urvi , Patel Himali , Siu-Lau Puiki , Clas Brian A. , Downey Robert , Flores Raja , Bains Manjit , Rizk Nabil , Dominguez Gemma , Jani Jen , Berwick Marianne , Begg Colin B. , Kris Mark G. , Rusch Valerie W.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

Patients who survive one occurrence of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are at higher risk of a second malignancy. Capacity to repair damaged DNA may modulate individual susceptibility to develop lung cancer. Therefore, we evaluated constitutive and induced DNA damage, and repair capacity, in patients with multiple NSCLCs (cases) and compared the results to those obtained in patients with a single NSCLC (controls).

Patients and Methods

One hundred eight cases and 99 controls matched by age, sex, and time since diagnosis were studied. DNA damage was assessed on peripheral blood lymphocytes by the comet assay before and after exposing cells to a tobacco-derived carcinogen, using the tail moment and the tail intensity as measures to assess baseline damage, induced damage and repair capacity.

Results

Constitutive DNA damage, benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide–induced damage, and repair after BPDE-induced damage were all significantly higher in cases than in controls. These results were confirmed in regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders.

Conclusion

DNA damage as measured by the comet assay is associated with the development of multiple primary tumors in individuals with NSCLC.
Lymphedema After Breast Cancer: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Effect on Upper Body Function
Authors: Hayes Sandra C. , Janda Monika , Cornish Bruce , Battistutta Diana , Newman Beth
Published: July 2008

Purpose

Secondary lymphedema is associated with adverse physical and psychosocial consequences among women with breast cancer (BC). This article describes the prevalence and incidence of lymphedema between 6 and 18 months after BC treatment; personal, treatment, and behavioral correlates of lymphedema status; and the presence of other upper-body symptoms (UBS) and function (UBF).

Patients and Methods

A population-based sample of Australian women (n = 287) with recently diagnosed, invasive BC were evaluated on five occasions using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Lymphedema was diagnosed when the ratio of impedance values, comparing treated and untreated sides, was three standard deviations more than normative data. UBF was assessed using the validated Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire.

Results

From 6 to 18 months after surgery, 33% (n = 62) of the sample were classified as having lymphedema; of these, 40% had long-term lymphedema. Although older age, more extensive surgery or axillary node dissection, and experiencing one or more treatment-related complication(s) or symptom(s) at baseline were associated with increased odds, lower socioeconomic status, having a partner, greater child care responsibilities, being treated on the dominant side, participation in regular activity, and having good UBF were associated with decreased odds of lymphedema. Not surprisingly, lymphedema leads to reduced UBF; however, BC survivors report high prevalences of other UBS (34% to 62%), irrespective of their lymphedema status.

Conclusion

Lymphedema is a public health issue deserving greater attention. More systematic surveillance for earlier detection and the potential benefits of physical activity to prevent lymphedema and mitigate symptoms warrant further clinical integration and research.