bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Trade Organization and Subjective Quality of Life
Authors: Geiger-Oneto Stephanie , Arnould Eric J.
Published: April 2011

An alternative trade organization (ATO) is one where philosophies of social justice and/or environmental well-being preside over mission-based marketing transactions. The primary mission of such organizations is to develop equal partnerships among members of a marketing channel—the producers, retailers, and consumers. The present research uses data from one such ATO, TransFair USA, to examine the impact of Fair Trade marketing practices on coffee producers in Latin America. In this context, this study contributes to previous research by empirically testing the idea that participants in the Latin American fair trade coffee channel benefit from their participation as claimed by proponents of ATOs. Results show that producers belonging to a FairTrade organization reported a greater overall sense of well-being and a more positive outlook for their future as a result of their participation in the TransFair, USA coffee marketing channel as compared to nonmembers. Higher levels of participation in the cooperatives among participants with longer tenure in the organizations also enjoyed higher subjective quality-of-life perceptions. Results suggest that researchers should be cautious not to over generalize the effects of fair trade marketing on producers quality of life across contexts, marketing channels or countries.
Geography and ethics
Authors: Barnett Clive
Published: April 2011

Discussions of ethics in recent human geography have been strongly inflected by readings of so-called ‘Continental Philosophy’. The ascendancy of this style of theorizing is marked by a tendency to stake ethical claims on ontological assertions, which effectively close down serious consideration of the problem of normativity in social science. Recent work on practical reason emerging from so-called ‘Analytical’ philosophy presents a series of challenges to how geographers approach the relationships between space, ethics, and power. This work revolves around attempts to displace long-standing dualisms between naturalism and normativity, by blurring boundaries between forms of action and knowledge which belong to a ‘space of causality’ and those that are placed in a ‘space of reasons’. The relevance of this blurring to geography is illustrated by reference to recent debates about the relationships between rationality and habit in unreflective action. Ongoing developments in this tradition of philosophy provide resources for strengthening a nascent strand of work on the geographies of practical reason that is evident in work on ethnomethodology, behaviour change, and geographies of action.
In vitro study of lymphocyte antiproliferation and cytogenetic effect by occupational formaldehyde exposure
Authors: Pongsavee M.
Published: April 2011

Formaldehyde is the chemical substance illegally used for food preservation in meat, vegetables and fruit. A study on the antiproliferative effect and cytogenetic effect of formaldehyde on human lymphocyte was undertaken. Heparinized blood from 30 volunteers was collected and treated with formaldehyde concentrations of 0.036, 0.072, 0.15, 0.3, 0.576, 0.8 and 1.152 mg/mL, respectively, for 24 hours. Viable lymphocyte count by hemocytometer and MTT assay were carried out for detecting the antiproliferative effect of formaldehyde on human lymphocyte. Lymphocyte culture and G-banding technique were carried out for detecting the cytogenetic effect of formaldehyde. The results showed that the numbers of viable lymphocyte in the control group were 3.45 × 104 cells/mL. The numbers of viable lymphocyte in the experimental subgroups were 3.03 × 10 4, 2.69 × 104, 2.36 × 104, 2.17 × 104, 1.92 × 104, 1.68 × 104 and 1.04 × 104 cells/mL, respectively, at 24 hours. The value of IC50 was 0.92 mg/mL. The formaldehyde concentrations of 0.036, 0.072, 0.15, 0.3, 0.576, 0.8 and 1.152 mg/mL effect the lymphocyte antiproliferation (p < 0.05). Loss of chromosome was the cytogenetic effect by the formaldehyde concentration of 0.036 and 0.072 mg/mL in this study. It is concluded that formaldehyde has the antiproliferative effect and cytogenetic effect on human lymphocyte.
Replication Studies in Nonprofit Research
Authors: Helmig Bernd , Spraul Katharina , Tremp Karin
Published: April 2011

This article examines the need for replication studies in nonprofit research. By elaborating a framework for replication studies, it contributes to an ongoing discussion about the appropriateness of various research methods. To exemplify this framework, the authors conduct a replication study on a specific topic relevant for nonprofit organizations in a globalized world, namely, media publicity for nonprofit organizations. The application reveals similar patterns for nonprofit organizations in the cities of Zurich, Switzerland, and New York, the United States, across a replication and original study, respectively.
Vaccine antibodies and T- and B-cell interaction in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Miyamoto M , Ono E , Barbosa CPL , Terreri MTRA , Hilário MOE , Salomão R , Moraes-Pinto MI de
Published: April 2011

Both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its treatment can cause immunosuppression and a decreased response to vaccination. We evaluated 30 children and adolescents with SLE, and 14 age-matched healthy subjects (control group) regarding immunophenotyping and lymphocyte apoptosis by flow cytometry, while measles and tetanus antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SLE group was divided according to disease activity into inactive SLE and active SLE. Individuals with active SLE had lower CD4+ T and natural killer (NK) cells/mm3 than the control group. Active and inactive SLE individuals had more CD38 molecules/CD8+ T cells and more CD4+ T, CD8+ T and B cells in apoptosis (as assessed by caspase-3 expression) than the control group. Patients with active SLE had a diminished CD28 expression on both CD4+ T and on CD8+ T cells and a higher CD86 expression on B cells than the control group. Measles antibody levels in the SLE groups were similar to the control group. In contrast, tetanus antibody levels were lower in the SLE groups than in the control group. The latter also directly correlated with the CD4+ T-cell and NK-cell counts from SLE patients (regression coefficient, 2.686 and 1.782; p = 0.010 and p = 0.039, respectively). We concluded that despite being up-to-date for tetanus vaccine, SLE patients presented with a poor immune response to tetanus vaccine.
iTime: Labor and life in a smartphone era
Authors: Agger Ben
Published: April 2011

The smartphone changes everything, or so it seems. iPhones create iTime and fundamentally alter the boundaries between public and private and day and night. We are now online anytime/anywhere, requiring new theoretical understandings of time and place. This starts with the young, who are inseparable from their phones, and has now spread to their parents. Smartphones use us, bending us to their compulsive rhythms and demanding our attention. In a good society, we would be the masters of technology, retaining the connectivity and global reach of our smartphones, but not enslaved to them as many of us are today. As the example of the smartphone demonstrates, the internet requires new social and cultural theory in order to address its transforming potential.
Malignant Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Dolan Elisabeth A.
Published: April 2011

Malignant bowel obstruction is common in individuals with intra-abdominal and pelvic malignancies and results in considerable suffering. Treatments target both the resolution of obstruction and symptom management. Emerging procedures include stents placement in the bowel to return patency and newer surgical procedures that are evolving to be less invasive. The use of medical interventions like corticosteroids, alone or in concert with additional drugs, can be utilized to achieve resolution of obstruction. Throughout treatment, it is important to also aggressively treat obstructive symptoms like pain and nausea/vomiting. This can mostly be achieved with medications, but use of venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) can also relieve symptoms. Parenteral hydration and nutrition use remain controversial with this population. The factor most closely tied to prognosis is performance status.
Catheter-based therapy of common femoral artery atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Paris Christopher L , White Christopher J , Collins Tyrone J , Jenkins J Stephen , Reilly John P , Grise Mark A , McMullan Paul W , Verma Anil , Ramee Stephen R
Published: April 2011

The objective of this paper is to describe outcomes of endovascular therapy in patients with symptomatic common femoral artery (CFA) lesions. Symptomatic atherosclerotic disease of the common femoral artery is an uncommon clinical entity, and there is no consensus regarding the suitability of catheter-based therapy. We reviewed the records of 26 consecutive patients treated with catheter-based therapy for symptomatic CFA lesions between 1994 and 2009. Angiographic success and procedure success were obtained in all vessels and in all patients. At 1 year, 100% (16/16) of the claudication patients and 70% (7/10) of the critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients maintained clinical success. The ankle— brachial index (ABI) significantly improved from a baseline of 0.47 ± 0.18 to 0.77 ± 0.18 ( p < 0.001) after the procedure. At their most recent clinic visit (31 months ± 14 months), clinical success was maintained in 100% of the claudication patients and in 70% (7/10) of the CLI patients. During the follow-up period, femoral vascular access for an unrelated procedure was obtained through the CFA stent. In conclusion, patients with symptomatic CFA atherosclerotic disease obtained excellent clinical outcomes with angioplasty with stenting. We found that angioplasty with stenting of the CFA did not preclude future CFA vascular access. Our data suggest that catheter-based therapies should be considered as an option to open surgery in selected patients with symptomatic CFA disease.
Acute effects of firefighting on arterial stiffness and blood flow
Authors: Fahs Christopher A , Huimin Yan  , Ranadive Sushant , Rossow Lindy M , Agiovlasitis Stamatis , Echols George , Smith Denise , Horn Gavin P , Rowland Thomas , Lane Abbi , Fernhall Bo
Published: April 2011

Sudden cardiac events are responsible for 40—50% of line-of-duty firefighter fatalities, yet the exact cause of these events is unknown. Likely, combinations of thermal, physical, and mental factors impair cardiovascular function and trigger such events. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of firefighting activities on vascular function. Sixty-nine young (28 ± 1 years) male firefighters underwent 3 hours of firefighting activities. Carotid, aortic, and brachial blood pressures (BP), heart rate (HR), augmentation index (AIx), wave reflection timing (TR), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), forearm blood flow (FBF), and forearm reactive hyperemia (RH) were measured before and after firefighting activities. Paired samples t-tests revealed significant ( p < 0.05) increases in aortic diastolic BP, HR, AIx, PWV, RH, and FBF, and significant decreases in brachial and aortic pulse pressure and TR following firefighting activities. In conclusion, these results suggest that 3 hours of firefighting activities increase both arterial stiffness and vasodilation.
A Look Back at Machinima’s Potential
Authors: Nitsche Michael
Published: April 2011

The author examines the quintessence of machinima, suggesting that the main difference between machinima and any other CGI technique lies in the playable real-time image that informs it. The implication is that machinima’s artistic, cultural, and even commercial future is rooted in this specific flexibility of the image as it opens up a new opportunity for the development of a procedural media format in visual culture and in the history of the moving image. However, the author warns that machinima might actually lose the unique chance it inherited from the underlying video game technologies to become a new media platform if creators disregard its peculiar, intrinsic computer-driven nature.
journal of visual culture
Authors: Joshua Diltz J.
Published: April 2011

Machinima — here defined as ‘the art of creating original animated movies using pre-existing, three-dimensional graphics engines’ — is the latest step in the evolution of communication, according to the author. Above all, it demonstrates how mainstream media can be used as a platform for self-expression. It can be interpreted as either a commentary on society or a reaction to the increasing digitalization of contemporary culture. The author concludes that machinima is both documenting and commenting on the social evolution of our technologically-driven society.
Opportunity and Liability: The Two Sides of Machinima
Authors: Methenitis Mark
Published: April 2011

The author explores some key legal issues related to machinima production and distribution, specifically copyright infringement and tarnishment, suggesting that current copyright laws are inadequate for regulating a form of expression whose very existence is based upon remixing and re-circulating assets of intellectual properties owned by game companies. To overcome the ongoing ambiguities, the author suggests that machinima creators should choose either to license the original intellectual properties or opt for the non-profit path. The latter option appears to be the most feasible: in the last 20 years, thanks to the cooperation of developers, machinima makers have enjoyed a relatively large degree of freedom for the production and distribution of non-profit works.
Another Blinding Documentary on Channel 4?
Authors: Bradford David , Hull John
Published: April 2011

David Bradford is a 28-year-old freelance writer who is gradually losing his sight as a result of the genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa. He was recently approached by Channel 4 about the prospect of making a television documentary on the subject of his sight loss. In weighing up this proposition, David sought the opinion of the blind academic, John Hull. This is a transcript of the emails between David and John, in which they discuss the difficulties of dealing with blindness in a visual medium. Specifically, they share their frustration at the documentary maker’s insistence on representing blindness as a condition of deprivation in which the subject is compelled to seek solace from a nostalgic celebration of sight rather than exploring the phenomenology of blindness itself.
Children, Mobility, and Space
Authors: Christensen Pia , Mikkelsen Miguel Romero , Nielsen Thomas Alexander Sick , Harder Henrik
Published: April 2011

This article discusses the potentials of a mixed methods approach to the study of children’s mobility patterns. The methodology presented here combined ethnographic fieldwork with global positioning system technology and an interactive questionnaire that children completed via mobile phone. This innovative methodology allowed the researchers to generate a rich understanding of children’s everyday movements. The study combined documentation of children’s subjective experiences with systematic observations, mapping, and survey data. The article sets out lessons learned for future mixed methods research into children’s everyday mobility. One such lesson was that it required the interdisciplinary research team to cooperate closely through dialogue, support, and coordination of activities and perspectives. The approach also promoted the children’s commitment to the study.
Capability readiness for product-service systems
Authors: Tetlay A
Published: April 2011

This article discusses the relationship between ‘capability’ and ‘product-service systems’ (PSS) and the need for the assessment of ‘capability readiness’ for PSS. The author argues that this assessment is essential to determine whether or not the elements of capability for PSS are in place and maintained for the successful delivery of a sustainable PSS. Current PSS research does not focus on this key concept. Further research is required to determine the capability elements required for a PSS. This research is part of an on-going wider research project for the assessment, evaluation and measurement of capability readiness for systems and networked systems of systems.
Frequency of Monitoring Hemoglobin A1C and Achieving Diabetes Control
Authors: Parcero Augusto F. , Yaeger Thomas , Bienkowski Robert S.
Published: April 2011

Objectives: The American Diabetes Association recommends measuring hemoglobin A1C levels (A1C) at least semiannually in diabetic patients who have stable glycemic control and quarterly in patients whose therapy has changed or who are not meeting glycemic goals. These guidelines were based on expert consensus without reference to actual clinical data. The main objective of this study was to assess association between meeting a target A1C level of <7% and adherence to monitoring guidelines. Secondary objectives were to determine the proportion of diabetic patients in the authors’ practice who met the A1C monitoring guidelines and to assess whether meeting the target A1C level is associated with other information easily abstracted from patients records, namely age, gender, and types of therapy. Methods: This study employed a case control design. Records of 193 type 2 diabetic patients seen over a 6-month period in a rural family medicine clinic were analyzed. Assessment of diabetes control was based on the most recent A1C level, with <7% considered controlled. Adherence to guidelines was assessed by determining frequency of testing during the preceding 12-month period. Results: Ninety-eight patients (51%) adhered to the American Diabetes Association guidelines on frequency of monitoring A1C. Median levels of adherent and nonadherent patients differed significantly (6.5 vs 7.3, P < .001, Mann-Whitney test). Logistic regression analysis showed that “diabetes control” based on the A1C level is positively associated with adherence to the guidelines, negatively associated with intensity of therapy, and not associated with gender or age. Conclusion: This study supports the usefulness of American Diabetes Association practice guidelines on the frequency of monitoring A1C levels in diabetic patients.
Immunodeficiency lentiviral infections in natural and non-natural hosts
Authors: Brenchley Jason M. , Paiardini Mirko
Published: April 2011

The host immune system is profoundly affected during the acute phase of progressive immunodeficiency lentiviral infections. Studies of these alterations have been quite restricted in humans because of the limited availability of samples from acutely HIV-infected persons. Therefore, numerous studies have turned attention to nonhuman primate models. Specifically, SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) have been informative for understanding the pathogenesis of HIV infection in humans. Indeed, advantages of the nonhuman primate model include the ability to study the very early events after infection and the ability to retrieve copious amounts of tissues. In addition, nonhuman primates allow for comparative studies between non-natural and natural hosts for SIV, in which SIV infection results in progression, or not, to AIDS, respectively. Although SIV infection of RM is the best model for HIV infection, the immunologic and/or virologic phenomena in SIV-infected RM do not always reflect those seen in HIV-infected humans. Here virologic and immunologic aspects of acute HIV infection of humans and SIV infection of Asian and African nonhuman primates are discussed and compared in relation to how these aspects relate to disease progression.
Efficient infection, activation, and impairment of pDCs in the BM and peripheral lymphoid organs during early HIV-1 infection in humanized rag2−/−γ C−/− mice in vivo
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Jiang Qi , Li Guangming , Jeffrey Jerry , Kovalev Grigoriy I. , Su Lishan
Published: April 2011

Although plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are involved in HIV-1 pathogenesis, the precise mechanism of interaction between pDCs and HIV-1 in vivo is not clear. The conflicting reports in HIV-1–infected patients highlight the importance of studying the interaction between HIV-1 and pDCs in relevant in vivo models. The rag2/γC double knockout (DKO) mouse supports reconstitution of a functional human immune system in central and peripheral lymphoid organs. We report here that functional pDCs were developed in the BM and peripheral lymphoid organs in humanized DKO (DKO-hu) mice. We show that pDCs from both BM and spleen were activated and productively infected during early HIV infection. The activation level of pDCs correlated with that of CD4+ T-cell activation and apoptosis. Although CD4+ T cells were preferentially depleted, pDCs were maintained but functionally impaired in the BM and spleen of HIV-infected DKO-hu mice. We conclude that HIV-1 can efficiently infect, activate, and impair pDCs in the BM and spleen, in correlation with CD4+ T-cell depletion. The humanized mouse will serve as a relevant model to investigate the development and function of pDCs and their role during HIV-1 pathogenesis in vivo.
Berberine modulates AP-1 activity to suppress HPV transcription and downstream signaling to induce growth arrest and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Mahata Sutapa , Bharti Alok C , Shukla Shirish , Tyagi Abhishek , Husain Syed A , Das Bhudev C
Published: April 2011

Background-

Specific types of high risk Human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) particularly, HPV types 16 and 18 cause cervical cancer and while the two recently developed vaccines against these HPV types are prophylactic in nature, therapeutic options for treatment and management of already existing HPV infection are not available as yet. Because transcription factor, Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) plays a central role in HPV-mediated cervical carcinogenesis, we explored the possibility of its therapeutic targeting by berberine, a natural alkaloid derived from a medicinal plant species,Berberiswhich has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties with no known toxicity; however, the effect of berberine against HPV has not been elucidated.

Results-

We studied the effect of berberine on HPV16-positive cervical cancer cell line, SiHa and HPV18-positive cervical cancer cell line, HeLa using electrophoretic mobility gel shift assays, western and northern blotting which showed that berberine could selectively inhibit constitutively activated AP-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner and downregulates HPV oncogenes expression. Inhibition of AP-1 was also accompanied by changes in the composition of their DNA-binding complex. Berberine specifically downregulated expression of oncogenic c-Fos which was also absent in the AP-1 binding complex. Treatment with berberine resulted in repression of E6 and E7 levels and concomitant increase in p53 and Rb expression in both cell types. Berberine also suppressed expression of telomerase protein, hTERT, which translated into growth inhibition of cervical cancer cells. Interestingly, a higher concentration of berberine was found to reduce the cell viability through mitochondria-mediated pathway and induce apoptosis by activating caspase-3.

Conclusion-

These results indicate that berberine can effectively target both the host and viral factors responsible for development of cervical cancer through inhibition of AP-1 and blocking viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 expression. Inhibition of AP-1 activity by berberine may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-HPV effect of berberine. We propose that berberine is a potentially promising compound for the treatment of cervical cancer infected with HPV.
Selective area epitaxy of ultra-high density InGaN quantum dots by diblock copolymer lithography
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Zhao Hongping , Zhang Jing , Park Joo Hyung , Mawst Luke J , Tansu Nelson
Published: April 2011

Highly uniform InGaN-based quantum dots (QDs) grown on a nanopatterned dielectric layer defined by self-assembled diblock copolymer were performed by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The cylindrical-shaped nanopatterns were created on SiN
x
layers deposited on a GaN template, which provided the nanopatterning for the epitaxy of ultra-high density QD with uniform size and distribution. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements were conducted to investigate the QDs morphology. The InGaN/GaN QDs with density up to 8 × 1010 cm-2 are realized, which represents ultra-high dot density for highly uniform and well-controlled, nitride-based QDs, with QD diameter of approximately 22-25 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) studies indicated the importance of NH3 annealing and GaN spacer layer growth for improving the PL intensity of the SiN
x
-treated GaN surface, to achieve high optical-quality QDs applicable for photonics devices.
Usefulness of case reports to improve medical knowledge regarding trigemino-cardiac reflex in skull base surgery
Authors: Sandu Nora , Sadr-Eshkevari Pooan , Schaller Bernhard J ,   the Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex Examination Group (TCREG)
Published: April 2011

We describe the discovery of the trigemino-cardiac reflex by Schaller in 1999 and the continued improvement of the knowledge about the trigemino-cardiac reflex involved in neurosurgery, especially in skull base surgery, during the past several years. The achieved medical progress could be gained only by the practical experience described by different case reports and later case series that have been published in several principal scientific journals. Additionally, we explain the scientific as well as clinical importance of the communication of the case reports on TCR. Special reference has been given to the validity of the case reports for new phenomena in clinical medicine.
Response to the criticism by Taube et al. in ESE 23:1, 2011, on the booklet "Green Genetic Engineering" published by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Authors: Broer Inge , Jung Christian , Ordon Frank , Qaim Matin , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara , Sonnewald Uwe , von Tiedemann Andreas
Published: April 2011

The authors of the DFG booklet "Green Genetic Engineering" respond to the criticism by Taube et al. in Environmental Sciences Europe 2011, 23:1. The broad criticism on current cropping systems in agriculture is replied to by the notice that the booklet focusses on the role of Green Genetic Engineering as a modern tool in plant breeding and on the potential uses of GMO cultivars. It is pointed out that the risks of GMO crops for the environment or human health which have been put forward in the criticism are not provable. The reproaches of wrong facts being contained in the booklet are particularly addressed and rebutted.
Increased plasma levels of the soluble Mer tyrosine kinase receptor in systemic lupus erythematosus relate to disease activity and nephritis
Authors: Wu Jun , Ekman Carl , Jönsen Andreas , Sturfelt Gunnar , Bengtsson Anders A , Gottsäter Anders , Lindblad Bengt , Lindqvist Elisabet , Saxne Tore , Dahlbäck Björn
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Mer and Tyro3 are receptor tyrosine kinases important for the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Together with Axl, they constitute the TAM receptor family. These receptors can be shed from the cell membrane and their soluble extracellular regions can be found in plasma. The objective of this study was to elucidate whether the plasma levels of soluble Mer (sMer) and Tyro3 (sTyro3) were increased in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Methods

ELISA kits were used to test plasma concentrations in controls and in patients with SLE, RA or CLI.

Results

Increased levels of, in particular, sMer and, to some extent, sTyro3, were found in patients with SLE or RA, but not in patients with CLI. Patients with SLE demonstrated the highest sMer levels and there was a strong correlation to higher SLE disease activity score (SLEDAI). In contrast, in patients with RA, the sMer levels did not correlate with the disease activity score (DAS). In SLE, sMer levels were particularly high in those with lupus nephritis, patients who also had decreased C1q levels and increased titers of anti-DNA antibodies. After therapy, the plasma concentrations of sMer decreased in parallel to the decrease in SLEDAI score.

Conclusions

The plasma concentrations of sMer and sTyro3 were significantly increased in patients with active SLE and RA, suggesting the TAM receptor shedding was affected by these autoimmune diseases. In particular, sMer was increased in SLE, the plasma levels of sMer reflecting disease activity.
Underexpression of mitochondrial-DNA encoded ATP synthesis-related genes and DNA repair genes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Hooi-Ming , Sugino Hidehiko , Aoki Chieko , Nishimoto Norihiro
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical autoimmune disease characterized by various systemic symptoms and multiple organ damage. We clarify biological and functional abnormalities in SLE by comparing the gene expression profiles of SLE patients with those of healthy individuals.

Methods

Gene expression profiles from the peripheral blood of 21 SLE patients and 45 healthy individuals were obtained using a DNA microarray. Gene ontology analysis and network pathway analysis were performed on the genes differentially expressed between SLE and healthy individuals.

Results

A total of 2,329 upregulated genes and 1,884 downregulated genes were differentially expressed. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were classified as response to biotic stimulus genes, which mainly includes genes related to immune response. Abnormalities in other categories such as cell motility and regulation of apoptosis were also revealed. Downregulated genes were mainly sorted into two gene categories, sensory perception and response to radiation/light. The sensory perception genes included ATPase/ATPase domain-containing genes, myosin-related genes, and two excision repair cross-complementing genes, which are involved in DNA repair. Other genes in this group - including three crystallin genes, genes encoding the receptor protein for melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and six mitochondrial-DNA encoded genes, which are involved in ATP synthesis - were also categorized as response to radiation genes. Using network pathway analysis, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, TNF, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α were found to play central roles in the networks of sensory perception-related molecules.

Conclusions

Functional abnormalities in ATP synthesis and DNA repair are implicated in peripheral blood cells from SLE patients.
Relationship between time to target temperature and outcome in patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest
Authors: Haugk Moritz , Testori Christoph , Sterz Fritz , Uranitsch Maximilian , Holzer Michael , Behringer Wilhelm , Herkner Harald ,   the Time to Target Temperature Study Group
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Our purpose was to study whether the time to target temperature correlates with neurologic outcome in patients after cardiac arrest with restoration of spontaneous circulation treated with therapeutic mild hypothermia in an academic emergency department.

Methods

Temperature data between April 1995 and June 2008 were collected from 588 patients and analyzed in a retrospective cohort study by observers blinded to outcome. The time needed to achieve an esophageal temperature of less than 34°C was recorded. Survival and neurological outcomes were determined within six months after cardiac arrest.

Results

The median time from restoration of spontaneous circulation to reaching a temperature of less than 34°C was 209 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 130-302) in patients with favorable neurological outcomes compared to 158 min (IQR: 101-230) (P < 0.01) in patients with unfavorable neurological outcomes. The adjusted odds ratio for a favorable neurological outcome with a longer time to target temperature was 1.86 (95% CI 1.03 to 3.38, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

In comatose cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after return of spontaneous circulation, a faster decline in body temperature to the 34°C target appears to predict an unfavorable neurologic outcome.
Induction of mRNA for Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors by Prostaglandin F2α Is Dependent upon Stage of the Porcine Corpus Luteum and Intraluteal Progesterone
Authors: Luo Wenxiang , Diaz Francisco J. , Wiltbank Milo C.
Published: April 2011

This study tested the hypotheses that prostaglandin (PG) F2α increases expression of genes related to recruitment of leukocytes in mature but not early corpus luteum (CL) and that insensitivity to PGF2α action in early CL is dependent on high intraluteal progesterone (P4) concentrations. Experiment 1 examined early (0.5 h) and late (10 h) in vivo effects of PGF2α on mature (d 17 of pseudopregnancy) and early (d 9) porcine CL. Real-time PCR was used to measure mRNA for chemokines (IL8, CXCL2, CCL2, CCL8, CCL4, CCL11) and chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CXCR2, CCR5). Western blotting was used to measure protein expression and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB proteins. Treatment with PGF2α for 10 h increased mRNA for almost all of these genes (all expect CXCL2 and CCL11) in d 17 CL but not d 9 CL. Treatment with PGF2α also led to greater phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB-1A protein in d 17 than d 9 CL. Experiment 2 had a 2 × 2 factorial design with d 9 gilts treated or not treated with epostane (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor to suppress intraluteal P4) and treated or not treated with PGF2α. Treatment with PGF2α (10 h) or epostane alone did not induce expression of any of these genes in d 9 CL. However, PGF2α + epostane increased expression of all of these genes except CCL11. In conclusion, PGF2α increases mRNA for chemokines and chemokine receptors in mature CL with similar PGF2α effects induced in early CL if intraluteal P4 is suppressed prior to PGF2α treatment.
Phosphorylation of Estrogen Receptor α at Serine 118 Directs Recruitment of Promoter Complexes and Gene-Specific Transcription
Authors: Duplessis Tamika T. , Williams Christopher C. , Hill Steven M. , Rowan Brian G.
Published: April 2011

Phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) is important for receptor function, although the role of specific ERα phosphorylation sites in ERα-mediated transcription remains to be fully evaluated. Transcriptional activation by ERα involves dynamic, coordinate interactions with coregulators at promoter enhancer elements to effect gene expression. To determine whether ERα phosphorylation affects recruitment of unique protein complexes at gene-specific promoters, changes in ERα Ser118 phosphorylation were assessed for effects on receptor and coregulator recruitment and transcription of ERα-regulated genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to measure promoter association found a 17β-estradiol (E2)-dependent recruitment of ERα at 150 min to ERα-regulated promoters, whereas ERα phosphorylated at Ser118 was dissociated from promoters after E2 treatment. Mutation of Ser118 to alanine (S118A) altered unliganded and ligand-induced association of ERα and p160 coregulators with ERα target promoters when compared with wild-type (WT)-ERα transfection. S118A and WT-ERα exhibited a similar level of recruitment to the estrogen response element-driven pS2 promoter and induced pS2 mRNA after E2 treatment. Although WT-ERα was recruited to c-myc and cyclin D1 promoters after E2 treatment and induced mRNA expression, S118A exhibited reduced interaction with c-myc and cyclin D1 promoters, and E2 did not induce c-myc and cyclin D1 mRNA. In addition, S118A resulted in increased recruitment of steroid receptor coactivator-1, glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein-1, and activated in breast cancer-1 to pS2, c-myc, and cyclin D1 irrespective of the presence of E2. Together, these data indicate that site specific phosphorylation of ERα directs gene-specific recruitment of ERα and transcriptional coregulators to ERα target gene promoters.
Oleate Blocks Palmitate-Induced Abnormal Lipid Distribution, Endoplasmic Reticulum Expansion and Stress, and Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Peng Gong , Li Linghai , Liu Yanbo , Pu Jing , Zhang Shuyan , Yu Jinhai , Zhao Junjie , Liu Pingsheng
Published: April 2011

Pathological elevation of plasma fatty acids reduces insulin sensitivity. Although several regulation pathways have been reported, the molecular mechanisms of insulin sensitivity remain elusive, especially in skeletal muscle where most glucose is consumed. This study focuses on how two major dietary fatty acids affect insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells. Palmitic acid (PA) not only reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt but also induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) expansion and ER stress. Relieving ER stress using 4-phenyl butyric acid blocked PA-mediated protein kinase R-like ER kinase phosphorylation and ER expansion and reversed the inhibitory effect of PA on insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Importantly, oleic acid (OA) could also recover PA-reduced Akt phosphorylation and abolish both PA-mediated ER expansion and ER stress. The competition between these two fatty acids was further verified in rat skeletal muscle using venous fatty acid infusion. 3H-labeled PA was converted mainly to active lipids (phospholipids and diacylglycerol) in the absence of OA, but to triacylglycerol in the presence of OA. Subcellular triacylglycerol and adipocyte differentiation-related protein from PA-treated cells cofractionated with the ER in the absence of OA but switched to the low-density fraction in the presence of OA. Taken together, these data suggest that the PA-mediated lipid composition and localization may cause ER expansion and consequently cause ER stress and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.
Combinatorial effect of maytansinol and radiation inDrosophilaand human cancer cells
Authors: Edwards Anthony , Gladstone Mara , Yoon Petros , Raben David , Frederick Barbara , Su Tin Tin
Published: April 2011

Combination therapy, in which two or more agents are applied, is more effective than single therapies for combating cancer. For this reason, combinations of chemotherapy with radiation are being explored in clinical trials, albeit with an empirical approach. We developed a screen to identify, from the onset, molecules that act in vivo in conjunction with radiation, using Drosophila as a model. Screens through two small molecule libraries from the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program yielded microtubule poisons; this class of agents is known to enhance the effect of radiation in mammalian cancer models. Here we report an analysis of one microtubule depolymerizing agent, maytansinol isobutyrate (NSC292222; maytansinol), in Drosophila and in human cancer cells. We find that the effect of maytansinol is p53 dependent in Drosophila cells and human cancer cells, that maytansinol enhances the effect of radiation in both systems, and that the combinatorial effect of drug and radiation is additive. We also uncover a differential sensitivity to maytansinol between Drosophila cells and Drosophila larvae, which illustrates the value of studying cell behavior in the context of a whole organism. On the basis of these results, we propose that Drosophila might be a useful model for unbiased screens through new molecule libraries to find cancer drugs for combination therapy.
Vanadium-catalyzed Atmospheric Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols Using Water as Solvent
Authors: Kodama Shintaro , Hashidate Suguru , Nomoto Akihiro , Yano Shigenobu , Ueshima Michio , Ogawa Akiya
Published: April 2011

A vanadium complex combined with 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridyl as a ligand exhibited excellent catalytic activity in atmospheric oxidation of benzhydrols using water as solvent to afford benzophenones in good yields.
Multi-shaped Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized Using an Amino-terminated Poly(ethylene oxide)–Poly(propylene oxide) Block Copolymer in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sakai Toshio , Ishigaki Mai , Okada Tomohiko , Mishima Shozi
Published: April 2011

Multi-shaped gold nanoparticles such as mushroom-like particles, dendritic particles, starlike particles, elongated particles, and spherical particles were synthesized through the reduction of tetrachloroaurate(III) ions ([AuCl4]−) by an amino-terminated poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer (SURFONAMINE L-207; CH3[OCH2CH2]33[OCH2CH(CH3)]10NH2) in aqueous solutions.
Evidence of CO2 Chemisorption at High Temperature in Lithium Gallate (Li5GaO4)
Authors: Ávalos-Rendón Tatiana , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: April 2011

Li5GaO4 was tested as a possible CO2 captor. Li5GaO4 was synthesized by solid-state reaction, structurally characterized, and then thermally treated under a CO2 flow, from 30 to 900 °C, having the highest CO2 chemisorption at around 709 °C. The results clearly showed that Li5GaO4 is able to trap CO2 chemically in two different steps. The CO2 quantity trapped was equal to 8.9 mmol g−1, which is considerably high in comparison to other ceramics.
Ionic Liquid-accelerated Allylation of Carbonyl Compounds with a Catalytic Amount of Indium Generated from In Situ Reduction of InCl3 with Aluminum
Authors: Hirashita Tsunehisa , Sato Yuki , Yamada Dai , Takahashi Fusako , Araki Shuki
Published: April 2011

In ionic liquids allylation of carbonyl compounds with a catalytic amount of indium(III) trichloride proceeds smoothly to give the corresponding homoallylic alcohol in the presence of aluminium. The corresponding dimeric ethers are also formed.
A Novel Peptide Array Using a Phage Display System for Protein Detection
Authors: Sawada Toshiki , Ishiguro Kojiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Mihara Hisakazu
Published: April 2011

A novel peptide array for the protein detection system is described, based on a phage display system. The binding strength and specificity of the antibodies against immobilized phage-displayed peptides were the same as against freed peptides. Therefore, phage-displayed peptides can be used for ligands of a protein-detecting peptide array.
The effect of standard chow and reduced hexokinase II on growth, cardiac and skeletal muscle hexokinase and low-flow cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Smeele Kirsten M , ter Horst Leontien H , Koeman Anneke , Heikkinen Sami , Laakso Markku , Weber Nina C , Hollmann Markus W , Zuurbier Coert J
Published: April 2011

In the present study, we examined whether standard chow (SDS versus Purina 5001; both low fat, high carbohydrate) and reductions in hexokinase (HK) II (wild-type versus HKII+/− mice) affect (1) growth parameters, (2) HK levels in cardiac and skeletal muscle and (3) low-flow cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Total HK activity and HKI and HKII expressions were determined, and low-flow IR injury was examined in isolated hearts subjected to 40 min 5% low-flow ischaemia and 120 min reperfusion. Standard chow, but not HKII reductions, significantly affected body weight, heart weight and cardiac hypertrophy. Both standard chow and reduced HKII diminished total cardiac and skeletal muscle HK activity. For the heart, the Purina chow-induced decrease in total HK activity was through decreases in HKI expression, whereas for skeletal muscle post-translational mechanisms are suggested. Both standard chow and reduced HKII demonstrated a non-significant trend for affecting cardiac IR damage. However, the low-flow ischaemia model was associated with mild sublethal injury only (∼1% cell death). In conclusion, standard chow affects body weight, heart weight and HK activity and HKI expression in the heart, without altering HKII expression. This implicates standard chow as an important factor in genomic, physiological research models and demonstrates that large differences in fat or carbohydrates in the diet are not necessary to affect growth. In a cardiac low-flow IR model, resulting in only mild injury, standard chow or reduced HKII does not significantly affect IR damage.
Comparison of ear tattoo, ear notching and microtattoo in rats undergoing cardiovascular telemetry
Authors: Kasanen I H E , Voipio H-M , Leskinen H , Luodonpää M , Nevalainen T O
Published: April 2011

Individual and permanent identification of experimental animals is a common and often essential research practice. There is little information available on the short-term effects of these procedures on the animals. In this study, seven rats were implanted with telemetric devices. The effects of three different identification methods (ear tattoo, ear notching and microtattoo) were compared. Cardiovascular data were collected for 24 h after the procedures. Time periods of 0–1, 1–4, 4–16 h (dark) and 16–24 h after the procedure were analysed separately. The most pronounced differences in measured parameters were observed during the first hour after the procedures were performed. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher ( P < 0.012) following the ear tattoo than the microtattoo procedure by a difference of approximately 5 mmHg. Heart rate (HR) was significantly elevated ( P < 0.001) after ear tattoo compared with both ear notching (Δ = 31 beats per minute [bpm]) and microtattoo (Δ = 44 bpm). During the 1–4 h period and the following dark period, the MAP was highest in the ear notching group, but no differences were observed in the HRs. During the following dark period (4–16 h) and the next day (16–24 h) differences in MAP and HR were minor. In conclusion, microtattoo appears to cause the mildest changes in HR and blood pressure. Based on these results, ear tattoo and ear notching should be replaced by microtattoo whenever possible.
Probable Interaction Between Warfarin and Rifaximin in a Patient Treated for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Hoffman Justin Thomas , Hartig Christine , Sonbol Eyman , Lang Megan
Published: April 2011

Objective:

To report a case in which the anticoagulant effects of warfarin were attenuated during concomitant administration of rifaximin, possibly through induction of CYP3A4 following increased absorption of rifaximin in a patient with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Case Summary:

A 49-year-old African American female had received effective anticoagulant therapy for 5 months with a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0-3.5 on a warfarin regimen of 7.5 mg daily. Five days following initiation of rifaximin 400 mg 3 times daily to treat SIBO, her INR had fallen to 1.2 and remained suppressed throughout the duration of her rifaximin regimen despite incremental warfarin dosage increases (highest dose, 15 mg/day for 2 days, followed by 11.25 mg/day). Twelve days after completion of the rifaximin treatment course, the INR was supratherapeutic at 4.2, requiring titration to her baseline warfarin dosage to achieve an INR within the target range. Similar results were obtained following rechallenge with rifaximin.

Discussion:

Rifaximin has been shown in vitro to induce the CYP3A4 enzyme for which the R-isomer of warfarin is a known substrate. The lack of in vivo CYP3A4 induction with rifaximin in other patient populations has repeatedly been attributed to its minimal oral bioavailability, while a recent study found that patients with SIBO had a clinically significant increase in intestinal permeability. In this patient population it is plausible that rifaximin bioavailability increases enough to induce CYP3A4, leading to clinically significant reductions in the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates, including R-warfarin. An objective causality assessment of this case revealed that a warfarin-rifaximin interaction was probable. No other drug dosages were altered during the timeframe in question, and the patient had an impeccable medication adherence history; we therefore ruled out these potential etiologies.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, an interaction between warfarin and rifaximin has not been previously reported. While further research needs to be conducted to confirm these results, practitioners should be aware of this possibility because of the increasing use of rifaximin as a first-line choice in the treatment of SIBO.