bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiritual care: is it the nurse's role?
Authors: Baldacchino Donia R.
Published: March 2009

This paper argues that although health‐care professionals claim to deliver holistic care, spirituality is overlooked. This may be because of lack of recognition of this role in nursing and secularization of the contemporary society. The findings of this descriptive exploratory study originated from nurses (n = 77), chaplains (n = 71) and patients with myocardial infarction (n = 53). Spiritual care was perceived as an integral part of the nurse's role in liaison with the interdisciplinary team. While taking into consideration the factors which may inhibit or enhance the delivery of spiritual care, recommendations address further research, education and management of patient care. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Product inhibition in the radical S‐adenosylmethionine family
Authors: Challand Martin R. , Ziegert Tillman , Douglas Paul , Wood Robert J. , Kriek Marco , Shaw Nicholas M. , Roach Peter L.
Published: March 2009

Members of the radical S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) superfamily reductively cleave AdoMet to generate the highly reactive 5′‐deoxyadenosyl radical (DOA) which initiates biological transformations by abstraction of a hydrogen atom. We demonstrate that three members of the family: biotin synthase (BioB), lipoyl synthase (LipA) and tyrosine lyase (ThiH) are inhibited in vitro by a combination of the products 5′‐deoxyadenosine (DOA) and methionine. These results suggest the observed inhibition is a common feature of the radical AdoMet proteins that form DOA and methionine as products. Addition of 5′‐methylthioadenosine/S‐adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MTAN) to BioB, LipA or ThiH activity assays removed the product inhibition by catalysing the hydrolysis of DOA and gave an increase in activity.
Alzheimer's Disease Anti‐Inflammatory Prevention Trial: Design, methods, and baseline results
Authors:   ADAPT Research Group
Published: March 2009

Background

The Alzheimer's Disease Anti‐inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT) was designed to address whether non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

ADAPT was a randomized, double‐placebo‐controlled, multicenter chemoprevention trial conducted at six U.S. dementia research clinics. At entry, participants were required to test “normal” on a battery of cognitive tests and to be age 70+ with a family history of Alzheimer‐like dementia. Persons were randomly assigned to 200 mg b.i.d. celecoxib (Celebrex, Pfizer), 220 mg b.i.d. naproxen sodium (Aleve, Bayer), or placebo. The primary outcome measure was AD. Secondary outcome measures were cognitive decline and measures related to safety of the treatments when used long term. ADAPT was designed to detect a 30% reduction in AD incidence with 80% power. The estimated sample size requirement was 2,625.

Results

Enrollment began in March 2001 and ended in December 2004 when treatments were suspended because of concerns regarding cardiovascular safety of the treatments. Followup ranged from 1 to 46 months. The achieved enrollment was 2,528. Recruitment was achieved primarily via mailings to people aged 70+ living in the catchment areas of the six field sites.
Commentary on “A roadmap for the prevention of dementia II. Leon Thal Symposium 2008.” Centers of excellence in Alzheimer's disease: It is time to better integrate patient care and clinical research to improve the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Doody Rachelle S.
Published: March 2009

Despite enormous worldwide public and private interest in improving the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we have not made as much of an impact as we would like, and the number of affected individuals continues to grow. Even more alarmingly, whereas global efforts to identify AD cases and to develop new treatments are increasing, patient‐care options are disappearing, so that even if a highly efficacious therapy or prevention approach arose, it would not be used effectively. As a first step toward organizing a better way forward, we should establish AD centers of excellence that mandate both patient care and research in the same setting. These centers would benefit from changes in public health policies related to chronic‐disease surveillance, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services funding for the care of chronic diseases, institutional review boards, good clinical practice guidelines, National Institutes of Health regulations for the use of research funds, Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the approval of AD drugs, and Department of Commerce regulations related to patent protection of AD diagnostic aids and treatments. This new form of AD centers of excellence would also provide direct care to many patients and their families, model care for communities and medical trainees, enhance the voluntary recruitment of AD patients to clinical trials, and improve our understanding of AD and its management.
Laser‐induced hyperthermia for treatment of granulation tissue growth in rats
Authors: Landsberg Roee , DeRowe Ari , Katzir Abraham , Shtabsky Alexander , Fliss Dan M. , Gil Ziv
Published: March 2009

Objective

We aimed to develop a new technique for treatment of granulation tissue (GT) growth using local hyperthermia.

Methods

A temperature‐controlled diode laser system was developed for induction of mild hyperthermia in real time. GT was generated by harvesting the skin over the gluteal fascia in rats. Histopathological analysis was used to estimate the effect of hyperthermia on the tissue.

Results

In untreated rats, GT was detected within 3 days and reached maximal thickness after 12 days. Hyperthermia at 43°C and above significantly decreased GT thickness (n = 8 per group). Hyperthermia at 48°C for 3 minutes was the most efficient parameter for treatment of GT (51% reduction), with minimal (5%) muscle necrosis.

Conclusions

Hyperthermia can significantly inhibit GT growth, with minimal damage to surrounding structures. Our findings suggest a possible role for hyperthermia as a therapeutic model against GT. Further research and long‐term studies are needed to explore the utility of laser‐induced hyperthermia for inhibition of GT growth.
Electronystagmography in migraine equivalent syndrome
Authors: Mora Renzo , Dellepiane Massimo , Barettini Luciano , Crippa Barbara , Salami Angelo
Published: March 2009

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of electronystagmography testing in the diagnosis of vertigo in children with migraine equivalent syndrome.

Study Design

The investigation included 20 children with “migraine equivalent syndrome” (group A), characterized by benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood. As a control group, 50 healthy children were identified.

Subjects and Methods

All the subjects underwent rotatory vestibular stimulation by stop test, optokinetic stimulation, and simultaneous postrotatory vestibular and optokinetic stimulations (VVOR).

Results

For the analysis of the results, we considered nystagmus mean gain and direction of visual‐vestibular‐ocular‐reflex (VVOR) nystagmus. In group A, all the children presented a VVOR nystagmus homodirectional to vestibular‐ocular reflex (VOR). In the control group, all the subjects presented a VVOR nystagmus homodirectional to optokinetic nystagmus (OKN).

Conclusion

In the healthy patients, VVOR nystagmus is always homodirectional to OKN and indicates the optokinetic system prevalence on VOR. The presence of a VVOR nystagmus homodirectional to VOR indicates the absence of the optokinetic system prevalence due to a central nervous system (CNS) modification and highlights a CNS disease. Our data highlight a possible correlation between CNS disorders and migraine equivalent syndrome.
Article Commentary: A unified hypothesis for vestibular dysfunction?
Authors: Phillips John S. , Prinsley Peter R.
Published: March 2009

It is our hypothesis that three distinct syndromes of vertigo (ie, labyrinthitis, Ménière's disease, and BPPV), which arise from a malfunction of the vestibular labyrinth, are in fact a spectrum of disorders all resulting from the presence of free‐floating particles within the vestibular fluid chambers.
The effects of allergens and tobacco smoke on the laryngeal mucosa of guinea pigs
Authors: Mouadeb Debbie A. , Belafsky Peter C. , Birchall Martin , Hood Carol , Konia Thomas , Pinkerton Kent E.
Published: March 2009

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and house dust mite allergen (HDMA) on the laryngeal mucosa of guinea pigs.

Study Design

Prospective, controlled animal study.

Subjects and Methods

Sixteen juvenile guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) filtered air, (2) HDMA, (3) ETS, and (4) ETS and HDMA. The mucosal response of retrieved larynges was measured by eosinophil grade and stored mucin index.

Results

HDMA exposure increased eosinophil grade in the supraglottis. The mean eosinophil grade in the supraglottis was 1.25 (±1.26) in the filtered air group. The grade increased to 3.60 (±0.89) in the HDMA group (P = 0.021) and 3.00 (±1.16) in the ETS/HDMA group (P = 0.078). HDMA and ETS exposure was associated with increased mucin index in the subglottis. The grade increased from 1.50 (±1.73) in the control group to 3.25 (±0.50) in the ETS, 2.80 (±1.64) in the HDMA, and 3.25 (±0.50) in the ETS/HDMA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Exposure to HDMA was associated with eosinophilia in the supraglottis. Exposure to HDMA and ETS was associated with elevated mucin in the subglottis. These results provide further evidence that ETS and inhaled allergens may play a role in the development of chronic laryngitis.
Conservative management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation in head and neck cancer patients with esophageal stricture
Authors: Mao Johnny C. , Kayali Foaz M. , Dworkin James P. , Stachler Robert J. , Mathog Robert H.
Published: March 2009

Objective

Evaluate the efficacy of conservative management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation following dilatation of a stricture secondary to the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Subjects and Methods

Retrospective chart review of 24 patients with esophageal perforation treated at the Detroit Medical Center from 1999 to 2008. Of these, eight head and neck cancer patients had esophageal stricture and underwent dilatation with subsequent esophageal perforation.

Results

Six patients were managed conservatively; two were managed surgically. All eight patients had radiation, six had chemotherapy, and five had surgery as part of their oncologic treatment. Stricture site was at the cricopharyngeus or neopharynx. Perforation size was estimated at 3 to 7 mm in conservative patients and approximately 10 mm in surgical patients. All patients survived to be discharged from the hospital and diet was tube feeds.

Conclusion

In head and neck cancer patients with post‐treatment esophageal stricture, iatrogenic cervical esophageal perforations can often be safely managed conservatively. The criteria are: prompt diagnosis within one hour, small perforation (3–7 mm), penetrating type of perforation with circumferential mucosal contact, proximal or cervical esophageal location, and stabilization and improvement of clinical signs and symptoms for 24 hours after initial ICU management.
Comparative life tables of leek moth,Acrolepiopsis assectella(Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), in its native range
Authors: Jenner W.H. , Kuhlmann U. , Mason P.G. , Cappuccino N.
Published: March 2009

Leek moth,Acrolepiopsis assectella(Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), is an invasive alien species in eastern Canada, the larvae of which mine the green tissues ofAlliumspp. This study was designed to construct and analyse life tables for leek moth within its native range. Stage-specific mortality rates were estimated for the third leek moth generation at three sites in Switzerland from 2004 to 2006 to identify some of the principle factors that inhibit leek moth population growth in areas of low pest density. The contribution of natural enemies to leek moth mortality was measured by comparing mortality on caged and uncaged leeks. Total pre-imaginal mortality on uncaged plants was 99.6%, 99.1% and 96.4% in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Variation in mortality was greater among years than among sites. Total larval mortality was greater than that in the eggs and pupae. This was due largely to the high mortality (up to 83.3%) of neonates during the brief period between egg hatch and establishment of the feeding mine. Leek moth pupal mortality was significantly greater on uncaged than on caged leeks, indicating an impact by natural enemies, and this pattern was consistent over all three years of study. In contrast, the other life stages did not show consistently higher mortality rates on uncaged plants. This observation suggests that the pupal stage may be particularly vulnerable to natural enemies and, therefore, may be the best target for classical biological control in Canada.
Phonological changes during the transition from one-word to productive word combination
Authors: AOYAMA KATSURA , PETERS ANN M. , WINCHESTER KIMBERLY S.
Published: March 2009

We investigated developmental changes during the transition from one-word to two-word production, focusing on strategies to lengthen utterances phonologically and to control utterances suprasegmentally. We hypothesized that there is a period of reorganization at the onset of word combinations indicated by decreases in both filler syllables (Fillers) and final syllable lengthening (FSL). The data are from a visually impaired child (Seth) between 1 ; 6.21 and 1 ; 10.26. Seth produced many Fillers until 1 ; 9 when their number decreased for about two weeks after which they changed in nature. FSL was observed until 1 ; 8, but diminished at 1 ; 9. These two regressions coincide with the onset of word combination.
Down-Regulation of Oxidative DNA Lesions in Human Mononuclear Cells After Antioxidant Supplementation Correlates to Increase of Gamma-Tocopherol
Authors: Johansson Clara , Rytter Elisabet , Nygren Jonas , Vessby Bengt , Basu Samar , Möller Lennart
Published: March 2009

The protective effect of vitamin E supplements has been questioned, possibly because they often contain only α-tocopherol, and recent studies indicate that γ-tocopherol also has important properties. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the levels of DNA lesions in middle-aged, overweight males could be reduced by consumption of low doses of an antioxidant supplement for six weeks, designed to imitate a balanced diet. The participants (n = 60) were randomly divided into: placebo, single-, and double-dose groups. Genotoxic and oxidative DNA lesions in mononuclear cells were measured with the Comet assay, before and after supplement administration. Furthermore, a cell study was performed to investigate if pre-incubation of a human lung cell line (A549) with α- and γ-tocopherol (5 and 50 μM for 23 hours) could protect against induced oxidative DNA lesions as measured by the Comet assay. The level of oxidative DNA lesions in the double-dose group was significantly lower than in the control group. Oxidative DNA lesions correlated only to changes in serum γ-tocopherol, and not α-tocopherol. In the cell study, only γ-tocopherol protected cells against induced oxidative DNA lesions. We therefore hypothesize that γ-tocopheol rather than α-tocopherol is involved in reducing oxidative DNA lesions.
Effects of Dietary Carnosine and Vitamin E on Antioxidant and Oxidative Status of Rats
Authors: Ibrahim Wissam , Tatumi Vickie , Yeh Che-Chung , Hong Chuen Bin , Chow Ching Kuang
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine if moderate levels of carnosine supplement, alone or in combination with vitamin E, enhance antioxidant status and/or provide protection against oxidative stress. Fiftyfour one-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a basal vitamin E-deficient diet supplemented with either 0, 200, or 1000 mg L-carnosine, and either 0, 10, or 100 IU vitamin E (as all rec-α-tocopheryl acetate) per kg diet for 15 weeks. The antioxidant and oxidative status were assessed in the skeletal muscle, liver, and blood. Dietary vitamin E, but not carnosine, increased levels of vitamin E, decreased tissue peroxidizability, prevented incidence of myodegeneration, and reduced erythrocyte hemolytic stress. The levels of conjugated dienes, protein carbonyls, ascorbic acid, and nonprotein sulfhydryls, and activities of catalase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, and aldehyde dehydrogenase were not significantly altered by dietary carnosine or vitamin E. The results obtained suggest that supplementation of carnosine at levels of up to 1000 mg/kg diet does not significantly affect the antioxidant and oxidative status of rats.
Verification of a conceptual model of water quality for small temporarily open/closed estuaries: East Kleinemonde Estuary, South Africa
Authors: Taljaard Susan , Snow Gavin , Gama Phumelele , van Niekerk Lara
Published: March 2009

The dynamics of the world’s larger permanently open estuaries have been well documented, but much less is known about the complex dynamics of smaller temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCEs). Seventy per cent of South Africa’s 250 estuaries are classified as TOCEs, and many are less than 50 ha. A conceptual model of the water-quality dynamics of TOCEs has been proposed, primarily considering three hydrodynamic states (closed, semi-closed and open). This paper uses data from the East Kleinemonde Estuary, a small TOCE in the warm-temperate region of South Africa, to verify the model, focusing on physico-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity) and inorganic macronutrients (dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved inorganic phosphate) for the open and closed states. The results generally fitted the model in terms of the behaviour of the physico-chemical parameters and macronutrients in the water column. This knowledge provides a first approach to predict the water-quality dynamics in small TOCEs, thereby ensuring that the often limited resources are targeted at resolving uncertainties at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. TOCEs are not unique to South Africa and also occur along other coasts (Mediterranean and south-western Australia) where this type of model could also be applied.
Identification of responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy by contractile reserve during stress echocardiography
Authors: Ciampi Quirino , Pratali Lorenza , Citro Rodolfo , Piacenti Marcello , Villari Bruno , Picano Eugenio
Published: March 2009

Aims

The identification of responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains a challenge. We assessed the role of dyssynchrony (DYS) and contractile reserve (CR) in identifying CRT responders.

Methods and results

Sixty‐nine patients (55% with ischaemic aetiology) referred for CRT (ejection fraction ≤35%, New York Heart Association ≥III, and QRS duration ≥120 ms) underwent baseline evaluation of DYS and dobutamine stress‐echo [up to 40 µg/kg/min: CR was defined as a wall motion score index (WMSI) variation ≥0.20]. CRT responders were identified by clinical and/or echocardiographic [end‐systolic volume (ESV) decrease ≥15%] follow‐up criteria. During a median follow‐up of 11 months, 46 patients (66%) were classified as clinical responders. Reverse remodelling was found in 34 of the 59 patients (58%) with echocardiographic follow‐up. CR was present in 78% of clinical responders (P = 0.001) and in 69% with reverse remodelling (P = 0.005). DYS was equally present in the two groups. Reverse remodelling was correlated with rest–stress changes in ESV (r = 0.439, P = 0.003) and in WMSI (r = 0.450, P = 0.001), but not with DYS. CR (OR = 6.2, 95% CI = 1.4–27.6, P = 0.015) was the best predictor of response to CRT.

Conclusion

Patients with CR show a favourable clinical and reverse LV remodelling response to CRT. This finding shifts the focus from electrical (dyssynchrony) to the myocardial substrate of functional response.
Global DNA hypomethylation suppresses squamous carcinogenesis in the tongue and esophagus
Authors: Baba Seiji , Yamada Yasuhiro , Hatano Yuichiro , Miyazaki Yasuo , Mori Hideki , Shibata Toshiyuki , Hara Akira
Published: March 2009

Genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation and concomitant site‐specific gene hypermethylation are among the most common molecular alterations in human neoplasia. Previous studies revealed that genetic reduction of the DNA methylation level results in opposing effects on tumor development, depending on the tumor cell type and on the different stages of the tumorigenesis. For instance, reduced levels of DNA methylation in mice strongly inhibited tumor development of the intestine, whereas they induced thymic lymphomas and liver tumors. In the present study, using DNA methyltrasferase 1 (Dnmt1) hypomorphic alleles to reduce genomic methylation, we examined the effects of DNA hypomethylation on a murine squamous carcinogenesis in the tongue and esophagus induced by 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide. Genetic reduction of DNA methylation level led to the suppression of tumor formation in both tongue and esophagus. Histological analyses revealed that DNA hypomethylation preferentially inhibited the development of squamous cell carcinomas. The results suggest that genomic hypomethylation inhibits squamous carcinogenesis in the tongue and esophagus, and that pharmacological modification of epigenetic status might be useful for the prevention and treatment of cancers in the upper digestive tract. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1186–1191)
Refinement of a quantitative trait locus on equine chromosome 5 responsible for fetlock osteochondrosis in Hanoverian warmblood horses
Authors: Lampe V. , Dierks C. , Distl O.
Published: March 2009

In this report, we provide 29 new informative microsatellites distributed over a region of 21 Mb on horse chromosome (ECA) 5 and refine a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for fetlock osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) to a genome‐wide significant interval between 78.03 and 90.23 Mb on ECA5. Genotyping was performed in 211 Hanoverian warmblood horses from 14 paternal half‐sib groups. Within this OCD‐QTL, collagen type XXIV alpha 1 was identified as a potential functional candidate gene for equine osteochondrosis. This report is a further step towards unravelling the genes that cause equine osteochondrosis.
Female segregation patterns of the putative Y‐chromosome‐specific microsatellite markers INRA124 and INRA126 do not support their use for cattle population studies
Authors: Pérez‐Pardal L. , Royo L. J. , Álvarez I. , Ponce de León F. A. , Fernández I. , Casais R. , Goyache F.
Published: March 2009

Here we tested the segregation and paternal compatibility of markers INRA124 and INRA126 on female DNA in 10 different cattle families, in order to clarify the usefulness of these microsatellites for the study of male‐mediated population processes in cattle. Their performance was compared with that of four microsatellites located in the PAR‐BTAY (UMN0108, UMN0803, UMN0929 and UMN0905) and another one male‐specific microsatellite (INRA189). INRA124 and INRA126 amplified the same sized fragment in both sexes. Same size alleles were sequenced and the high homology found allowed us to rule out non‐specific female amplification. INRA124 showed full parental compatibility, whilst the locus INRA126 showed 55% parental incompatibility. Based on these observations, it is recommended that markers INRA124 and INRA126 should not be used in studies to characterize male‐mediated genetic events in cattle.
Predictors of antiviral treatment initiation in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients: a Danish cohort study
Authors: Hansen N. , Obel N. , Christensen P. B. , Krarup H. , Laursen A. L. , Clausen M. R. , Lunding S. , Møller A. , Schlichting P. , Kromann‐Andersen H. , Bukh J. , Weis N. ,   the DANHEP group
Published: March 2009

Summary.  Predictive factors for initiation of antiviral therapy in chronically infected hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors for initiation of treatment with standard or pegylated interferon either alone or combined with ribavirin. A Danish cohort of individuals chronically infected with HCV was used and observation time was calculated from the date of inclusion in the cohort to date of death, last clinical observation, 1 January 2007, or start of HCV antiviral treatment in treatment‐naïve patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to construct time to event curves. Cox regression was used to determine the incidence rate ratios as estimates of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 1780 patients were enrolled in the study. The cumulative chance of treatment initiation over 5 years was 33.0%. We found several strong predictors of treatment initiation: elevated alanine aminotransferase [>2 times upper limit (RR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.64–2.87), >3 times upper limit (RR = 3.64, 95% CI 2.75–4.81)], genotype 2 or 3 (RR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.49–2.31) and HIV co‐infection (RR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.15–0.53). To our knowledge, this study is the first to estimate factors predicting initiation of antiviral treatment in patients with chronic HCV infection on a nationwide scale. We found that several of the factors predicting initiation of antiviral treatment correlate with factors known to predict a better response to treatment and factors known to increase the progression of liver disease.
Does leptin play a role in obesity–asthma relationship?
Authors: Mai Xiao‐Mei , Chen Yue , Krewski Daniel
Published: March 2009

The increase of asthma has paralleled the rising obesity during the past decades. Obesity is characterized by the increase of leptin in the circulation. Leptin is an obesity gene product, and it can stimulate the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and interferon (IFN)‐γ. There is a link between leptin and asthma, especially in children. It remains unclear however, if leptin is in the pathway of obesity–asthma relationship and if it plays a distinctive role in asthma in obese vs. non‐obese subjects. Since leptin is in a positive feedback loop with the pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, there is a possibility that leptin is involved as a regulatory rather than an etiologic mechanism of asthma development. Weight loss is associated with decreased circulating leptin concentration in children. Weight control program may need to be considered in the treatment of asthma in obese children.
Tryptophan synthesis block‐associated sugar response, a physiological marker for rapid selection of Arabidopsis thaliana transformants, marked with feedback‐inhibition‐insensitive anthranilate synthase gene
Authors: Nonomura T. , Komaki S. , Xu L. , Moriura N. , Ioroi H. , Takashima S. , Kakutani K. , Takikawa Y. , Matsuda Y. , Toyoda H.
Published: March 2009

The feedback‐insensitive anthranilate synthase (AS) gene was used as a selection marker for transformants of Arabidopsis thaliana. The mutant gene (mAS1‐2) was constructed by substituting nucleotide at the effector‐binding site of the intrinsic AS gene via PCR‐mediated site‐directed mutagenesis and flanked with the myrosinase promoter pyk10 to drive its expression during initial root elongation. This inducible gene cassette was first introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens and then delivered into A. thaliana by floral‐dip inoculation. 5‐methyltryptophan (5‐MT) inhibited AS and suppressed seedling growth of wild type plants as a result of tryptophan starvation. With the addition of sucrose (10 mg/ml), 5‐MT inhibited cotyledon opening and caused anthocyanin to accumulate in juvenile seedlings. The present mutant reversed the tryptophan starvation caused by 5‐MT and blocked subsequent sugar responses. The sugar responses were detected in non‐transformed plants grown on a selection medium containing 10 mg/ml of sucrose and 10 μg/ml of 5‐MT after 3 days of incubation. Thus, true transformants could be selected after a short incubation, compared to the conventional kanamycin‐selection method that did not eliminate all non‐transformed plants.
Characterization of three wheat cultivars possessing new 1BL.1RS wheat‐rye translocations
Authors: Tang Z. X. , Fu S. L. , Ren Z. L. , Zhang H. Q. , Yang Z. J. , Yan B. J.
Published: March 2009

The wheat‐rye 1BL.1RS translocation chromosomes have been used widely around the world in commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production because of the presence of several disease resistance genes and a yield enhancement factor on the rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome. However, the recent reports of the loss of complete effectiveness of the disease resistance genes on the most commonly used 1BL.1RS chromosome have highlighted the need to seek and deploy additional sources of disease resistance genes. Three new sibling wheat cultivars, ‘CN12’, ‘CN17’ and ‘CN18’, were developed carrying 1RS arms derived from the rye inbred line L155. Genomic in situ hybridization and C‐banding analysis revealed that all the three cultivars contained the rye chromosome 1RS arm fused to the wheat 1BL wheat chromosome arm. The three cultivars displayed high yields and high resistance to local powdery mildew and stripe rust pathotypes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis indicated the different structure of 1BL.1RS chromosome between ‘CN18’ and the other two cultivars. The present study provides a new 1RS resource for wheat improvement.
Screening for frost tolerance in wheat using the expression of dehydrine genes Wcs120 and Wdhn13 at 17°C
Authors: Holková L. , Prášil I.‐T. , Bradáčová M. , Vítámvás P. , Chloupek O.
Published: March 2009

Cold induces expression of Cor/Lea genes, in particular of Wcs120 and Wdhn13. The level of the expression at low temperatures was related to the frost tolerance (FT) of wheat cultivars. We studied the expression in five cultivars very different in the FT, at relatively high temperature of 17 and 25°C, respectively. Significant correlations at the 1% level were found at 17°C between the expression level and FT, characterized by correlation coefficients 0.92** and 0.97** for Wcs120 and Wdhn13, respectively. These preliminary results could be used for screening of frost tolerant lines.
A GUTLESS ADENOVIRAL VECTOR EXPRESSING FULL‐LENGTH ANTI‐Her2 ANTIBODY
Authors: Jiang Ming‐Hong , Chen Lin , Li Lin‐Fang , Wu Hong‐Ping , Jiang Li‐Hua , Qian Yan‐Zhen , Fang Guo‐En , Xue Xu‐Chao
Published: March 2009

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are increasingly being used in clinical cancer treatment, but their complex technology and high cost limit their use. Helper‐dependent (HD) adenoviruses are among the most efficient and safe gene therapy vectors capable of mediating long‐term expression.

Using Gateway (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA, USA) cloning technology, we constructed an HD–trastuzumab (TAb) plasmid carrying the full‐length anti‐HER2 antibody gene. Using an efficient recombinase, namely in vitro‐evolved Flippase‐expressing recombinase, to excise the helper virus packaging signal in producer cells, we developed a scalable HD vector production method. Antibody expression of HD‐TAb in vitro was detected by ELISA and western blot.

The full‐length antibody gene delivery system allowed for continuous production of a full‐length antibody at a high concentration. Bioactive antibody macromolecules were generated via gene transfer in vitro.

In conclusion, HD adenoviral vectors can stably express a full‐length antibody for prolonged periods without the difficulties associated with sophisticated antibody manufacture techniques and at a much lower cost. As a promising tool for gene therapy, this novel system can shorten the duration and reduce the expense of antibody development.
M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor is associated with β‐catenin in ventricular myocytes during myocardial infarction in the rat
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ping , Hang Peng‐Zhou , Sun Li‐Hua , Zhang Yong , Zhao Jin‐Long , Pan Zhen‐Wei , Ji Hong‐Rui , Wang Li‐An , Bi Hui , Du Zhi‐Min
Published: March 2009

1. The present study was designed to investigate whether the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) is associated with β‐catenin in the ventricular myocardium during ischaemic myocardial injury and to determine the possible mechanism/s involved.

2. Rat hearts were subjected to coronary artery ligation for 1 and 6 h or 1 month to establish a myocardial ischaemia (MI) model. In the acute MI model, 16 rats were randomized into four groups: (i) control; (ii) ischaemia (rats were subjected to 20 min coronary occlusion); (iii) choline (10 mg/kg, i.v., choline chloride, an M3 receptor agonist, was administered 15 min before occlusion); and (iv) 4‐diphenylacetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine methiodide (4‐DAMP; 0.12 mg/kg 4‐DAMP, an M3 receptor antagonist, was administered 20 min before occlusion, followed 5 min later by 10 mg/kg, i.v., choline chloride). Immunochemistry, western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation were used to determine the expression and localization of β‐catenin and the M3 mAChR.

3. Myocardial ischaemia caused a time‐dependent increase in the expression of β‐catenin. Moreover, a physical association was found between β‐catenin and the M3 mAChR in intercalated discs. This association was enhanced by prolonged ischaemia. Administration of choline before ischaemia not only increased β‐catenin expression, but also strengthened the association between β‐catenin and the M3 mAChR. However, blockade of M3 mAChR by 4‐DAMP completely inhibited the effect of choline on the expression of β‐catenin. In addition, MI increased phosphorylation of the M3 mAChR.

4. The results indicate that increased β‐catenin activity is associated with M3 mAChR during MI. This association is likely to play a role in heart signal transduction during ischaemia between neighbouring ventricular myocardiocum.
MAKING UP OR BREAKING UP: THE TORTUOUS ROLE OF PLATELET‐DERIVED GROWTH FACTOR IN VASCULAR AGEING
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Ping , Pei Zhao‐Hui , Ren Jun
Published: March 2009

Ageing has long been recognized as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Age‐associated remodelling of the vascular wall includes luminal enlargement, intimal and medial thickening and vascular stiffness.

A growing body of evidence has indicated that the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play a pivotal role in the pathophysiological vascular ageing process. Both experimental and clinical evidence implicates platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) as having an essential role in the proliferation of VSMC, an early pathological feature of arteriosclerosis and vascular ageing.

In the present review, we summarize some of the recent progress made with regard to defining the role of PDGF in the proliferation of VSMC and vascular ageing, with an emphasis on the cell signalling mechanisms involved.
CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL IN MAMMALIAN HEARING
Authors: Robertson Donald
Published: March 2009

Centrifugal control of many sensory systems is well established, notably in the γ motorneuron of skeletal muscle stretch receptors.

Efferent (olivocochlear) innervation of the mammalian cochlea was first established through anatomical studies. Histological studies confirmed synaptic terminals in contact with hair cells and afferent dendrites.

Electrophysiology has elucidated the cellular mechanisms of efferent modulation in the cochlea.

The system has potential roles in noise protection, homeostatic feedback control of cochlear function and signal processing. There is some evidence in support of each, but also contraindications.

It is concluded that the role of the olivocochlear innervation is still contentious but, on balance, the evidence appears to favour a role in enhancing signal detection in noise.
Minimally invasive surgery is safe and effective for urgent and emergent colectomy
Authors: Nash G. M. , Bleier J. , Milsom J. W. , Trencheva K. , Sonoda T. , Lee S. W.
Published: March 2009

Objective  There are a limited number of studies describing the role of minimally invasive colectomy for urgent or emergent conditions of the large bowel. We hypothesize that laparoscopic colectomy in urgent and emergent setting can be performed safely in select settings.

Method  A cohort of patients treated at a single institution from 2001 to 2006 was identified from a prospective database. Patients who underwent open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic (LAP) or hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) colectomy for urgent and emergent conditions were included.

Results  A total of 68 [open 32, MIS 36 [HALS 22, LAP 14)] patients underwent urgent or emergent colectomy on our colorectal service during the 5‐year time period. Patients with toxic colitis were more often selected for MIS. Patients with colon perforation or large bowel obstruction were more often selected for open surgery. The MIS group had a lower body mass index (BMI), lower American Society of Anesthesiologists fitness grade and was more likely to have been immunosuppressed. There was no difference in patient morbidity between the open and MIS groups. The MIS group had a longer median operative time and fewer cases of prolonged hospitalization.

Conclusion  We conclude that minimally invasive colectomy by experienced surgeons appears to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients with emergent and urgent conditions of the large bowel.
TWO CONCEPTS OF EMPIRICAL ETHICS
Authors: PARKER MALCOLM
Published: March 2009

The turn to empirical ethics answers two calls. The first is for a richer account of morality than that afforded by bioethical principlism, which is cast as excessively abstract and thin on the facts. The second is for the facts in question to be those of human experience and not some other, unworldly realm. Empirical ethics therefore promises a richer naturalistic ethics, but in fulfilling the second call it often fails to heed the metaethical requirements related to the first. Empirical ethics risks losing the normative edge which necessarily characterizes the ethical, by failing to account for the nature and the logic of moral norms. I sketch a naturalistic theory, teleological expressivism (TE), which negotiates the naturalistic fallacy by providing a more satisfactory means of taking into account facts and research data with ethical implications. The examples of informed consent and the euthanasia debate are used to illustrate the superiority of this approach, and the problems consequent on including the facts in the wrong kind of way.
EMPIRICAL ETHICS AND ITS ALLEGED META‐ETHICAL FALLACIES
Authors: DE VRIES ROB , GORDIJN BERT
Published: March 2009

This paper analyses the concept of empirical ethics as well as three meta‐ethical fallacies that empirical ethics is said to face: the is‐ought problem, the naturalistic fallacy and violation of the fact‐value distinction. Moreover, it answers the question of whether empirical ethics (necessarily) commits these three basic meta‐ethical fallacies.
Effect of a companion dog on depression and anxiety levels of elderly residents in a long‐term care facility
Authors: LE ROUX Marieanna C. , KEMP Rene
Published: March 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of a companion dog on the depression and anxiety levels of residents in a long‐term care facility.

Methods:  A total of 16 residents (eight men and eight women) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 8) and an Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) group (n = 8) that met once a week for 6 weeks. All residents in the AAA group were either in wheelchairs or walking with crutches. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Results:  For both the total group and control group no significant differences were found on depression and anxiety pre and post mean scores. However, for the AAA group, significant differences were found between pre and post BDI mean scores while the BAI mean score differences were non‐significant.

Conclusion:  The results of this small study confirm the results of other studies that AAA visits can make a difference to the depression levels of residents in long‐term care facilities.
Is bipolar II depression phenotypically distinctive?
Authors: Parker G. B. , Fletcher K.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  We examine the depressive symptom profile of bipolar II disorder patients compared with a comparator (composite) group of those with unipolar depression, with stratification by melancholic and non‐melancholic subtypes.

Method:  Out‐patients (n = 394) attending a specialist depression clinic comprised the sample. Data on severity and prototypic status of depressive symptoms were analysed.

Results:  Age‐matched analyses revealed minimal differentiation between bipolar II and composite unipolar groups. Stratified analyses suggested that ‘bipolar II depression’ more closely approximated melancholic depression in terms of psychomotor and cognitive slowing. Severity‐based analyses and prototypic symptom patterns yielded differing results, suggesting that definition of bipolar II depression is influenced by rating strategies, and age.

Conclusion:  We found limited differentiation of bipolar II depression from unipolar, melancholic and non‐melancholic depression. Differences suggested previously may reflect age, gender and severity differences, highlighting the need for appropriately matched groups in defining bipolar II depression.
A randomized‐controlled clinical trial evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes after 3 and 5 years of dental implants placed in bone regenerated by means of GBR techniques with or without the addition of BMP‐2
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Windisch Simone I. , Eggenschwiler Ariane M. , Thoma Daniel S. , Weber Franz E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: March 2009

Objective: The aim of this randomized‐controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of implants placed in bone augmented with a xenogenic bone substitute material and a collagen membrane with or without the addition of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).

Material and methods: Eleven patients received a total of 34 implants placed into sites exhibiting lateral bone defects. In a split mouth design, the defects were randomly treated with the graft material and the collagen membrane either with (test) or without (control) rhBMP‐2. The patients were examined 3 and 5 years after insertion of the prosthetic restoration. Student's paired t‐test was performed to detect differences between the two groups.

Results: The survival rate at 3 and 5 years was 100% for both groups. The peri‐implant soft tissues were stable and healthy without any difference between the two groups. The prosthetic reevaluation demonstrated four loose prosthetic screws during the first 3 years and seven ceramic chippings after 3 and 5 years. The mean distance between the first bone to implant contact to implant abutment junction at 3 years was 1.37 mm (test), 1.22 mm (control), and 1.38 mm (test), and 1.23 mm (control) at 5 years. The difference of <0.2 mm between test and control implants was not statistically significant. The mean change of the marginal bone level between baseline and 5 years ranged from −0.07 mm (mesial, test), −0.11 mm (distal, test), −0.03 mm (mesial, control), to +0.13 mm (distal, control). No statistically significant differences were observed between test and control sites.

Conclusion: Implants placed in bone augmented with and without rhBMP‐2 revealed excellent clinical and radiological outcomes after 3 and 5 years.
Effect of cantilever length and framework alloy on the stress distribution of mandibular‐cantilevered implant‐supported prostheses
Authors: Jacques Letícia Borges , Moura Márcio Silva , Suedam Valdey , Souza Edson Antonio Capello , Rubo José Henrique
Published: March 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the stress distribution on components of a mandibular‐cantilevered implant‐supported prosthesis with frameworks cast in cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) or palladium–silver (Pd–Ag) alloys, according to the cantilever length.

Material and methods: Frameworks were fabricated on (Co–Cr) and (Pd–Ag) alloys and screwed into standard abutments positioned on a master‐cast containing five implant replicas. Two linear strain gauges were fixed on the mesial and distal aspects of each abutment to capture deformation. A vertical static load of 100 N was applied to the cantilever arm at the distances of 10, 15, and 20 mm from the center of the distal abutment and the absolute values of specific deformation were recorded.

Results: Different patterns of abutment deformation were observed according to the framework alloy. The Co–Cr alloy framework resulted in higher levels of abutment deformation than the silver–palladium alloy framework. Abutment deformation was higher with longer cantilever extensions.

Conclusion: Physical properties of the alloys used for framework interfere with abutment deformations patterns. Excessively long cantilever extensions must be avoided.
Adiponectin prevents progression of steatohepatitis in mice by regulating oxidative stress and Kupffer cell phenotype polarization
Authors: Fukushima Juichi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Yoshida Yuichi , Ezaki Hisao , Takemura Takayo , Saji Yukiko , Igura Takumi , Tsutsui Shusaku , Kihara Shinji , Funahashi Tohru , Shimomura Iichiro , Tamura Shinji , Kiso Shinichi , Hayashi Norio
Published: March 2009

Aim:  We reported previously that hypoadiponectinemia enhances hepatic oxidative stress and accelerates progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice. However, the precise mechanism and preventive effects of adiponectin on NASH remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of adiponectin on steatohepatitis using adiponectin‐knockout (KO) mice and adenovirus‐mediated adiponectin expression system.

Methods:  We used male KO mice and C57BL6/J (WT) mice fed methionine choline‐deficient (MCD)‐diet as a steatohepatitis model. Liver histology, hepatic oxidative stress markers, and hepatic gene expression levels were investigated. In addition, Hepa 1–6 cells, a mouse liver cell line, were cultured with or without recombinant adiponectin, and gene expressions were investigated by real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results:  After 2‐week feeding of MCD diet, hepatic steatosis was enhanced and plasma alanine aminotransferase elevated in KO mice than in WT mice. In KO mice liver, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased, glutathione levels decreased, and mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase‐1) downregulated. Adenovirus‐mediated adiponectin expression prevented these changes in KO mice. Moreover, Kupffer cell infiltration was enhanced and mRNA levels of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage markers (interleukin‐10, arginase‐1) were decreased in KO mice liver. In the in vitro study, adiponectin significantly increased catalase gene expression in Hepa 1–6 cells.

Conclusions:  Lack of adiponectin enhanced, and adiponectin administration prevented steatohepatitis progression in mice. These changes were due to the anti‐oxidative effects of adiponectin, and its effects on Kupffer cells recruitment and phenotype polarization. Augmentation of adiponectin effects could be a useful preventive approach for NASH progression.