bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Avoidance as a Moderator of the Relationship between Perceived Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Reimann Martin , Lünemann Ulrich F. , Chase Richard B.
Published: June 2008

The extent to which members of different cultures vary in their reactions to uncertainty can have a major impact on how perceived service quality affects customer satisfaction. This article addresses the issue of cultural differences in the context of business-to-business relationships. A study involving 303 Spanish, German, and Swedish business-to-business customers reveals that clients from cultures with a high degree of uncertainty avoidance were less satisfied than low-uncertainty avoidant clients when, as a result of a service defect, their service expectations were not met. In light of the tolerance zone concept, the finding suggests a narrower range of acceptable outcomes for high-uncertainty avoidance cultures. Important management implications of this study relate to service quality efforts, which should be explicitly designed to reflect intercultural differences in operations planning and training of service personnel.
Adjustment of Undergraduate Latino Students at a Southeastern University
Authors: González Laura McLaughlin , Ting Siu-Man Raymond
Published: June 2008

College campuses in the southeast United States are striving to understand and serve their newly arriving Latino students to promote adjustment and academic success. The purpose of this article is to outline the cultural components of academic and social integration of Latino college students at one southeastern campus, based on descriptive survey results. Participant responses reflected relatively smooth academic integration but some complications in the social/cultural areas. Implications for student affairs professionals are discussed.
PGE2 induces angiogenesis via MT1-MMP–mediated activation of the TGFβ/Alk5 signaling pathway
Authors: Alfranca Arántzazu , López-Oliva Juan Manuel , Genís Laura , López-Maderuelo Dolores , Mirones Isabel , Salvado Dolores , Quesada Antonio J. , Arroyo Alicia G. , Redondo Juan Miguel
Published: June 2008

The development of a new vascular network is essential for the onset and progression of many pathophysiologic processes. Cyclooxygenase-2 displays a proangiogenic activity in in vitro and in vivo models, mediated principally through its metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Here, we provide evidence for a novel signaling route through which PGE2 activates the Alk5-Smad3 pathway in endothelial cells. PGE2 induces Alk5-dependent Smad3 nuclear translocation and DNA binding, and the activation of this pathway involves the release of active TGFβ from its latent form through a process mediated by the metalloproteinase MT1-MMP, whose membrane clustering is promoted by PGE2. MT1-MMP–dependent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling through Alk5 is also required for PGE2-induced endothelial cord formation in vitro, and Alk5 kinase activity is required for PGE2-induced neovascularization in vivo. These findings identify a novel signaling pathway linking PGE2 and TGFβ, 2 effectors involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis, and reveal potential targets for the treatment of angiogenesis-related disorders.
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells and residual in vivo thromboxane biosynthesis in low-dose aspirin-treated polycythemia vera patients
Authors: Santilli Francesca , Romano Mario , Recchiuti Antonio , Dragani Alfredo , Falco Angela , Lessiani Gianfranco , Fioritoni Francesca , Lattanzio Stefano , Mattoscio Domenico , De Cristofaro Raimondo , Rocca Bianca , Davì Giovanni
Published: June 2008

Polycythemia vera (PV) is associated with high morbidity and mortality for thrombosis. We hypothesized that in PV altered sensitivity to aspirin might be related to dysfunction of the endothelial repair and/or of the nitric oxide (NO) system. Urinary thromboxane (TX) A2 metabolite (TXM), endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) were measured in 37 PV patients on low-dose aspirin and 12 healthy controls. Patients showed an approximately 2-fold increase in median TXM and plasma ADMA levels (P < .001), while ECFC numbers were reduced by approximately 7-fold (P < .001) as compared with nonaspirinated control. These differences were more pronounced in patients with previous thrombosis. An 8-week course of aspirin did not affect ECFCs in 6 controls. VWF and TXM correlated directly with ADMA, and inversely with ECFCs. By multiple regression analysis, lower ECFC quartiles (beta = −0.39; SE = 0.17; P = .028) and higher VWF levels (beta = 0.338, SE = 0.002, P = .034) were independent predictors of higher TXM quartiles (R2 = 0.39). Serum TXB2, measured in 22 patients, was approximat-ly 10-fold higher than aspirin-treated controls. PV patients appear to have an unbalanced ECFC/NO axis, and an apparent altered sensitivity of platelet TXA2 production, all potentially contributing to aspirin-insensitive TXM formation. Thus, additional antithrombotic strategies may be beneficial in PV.
Tetraspanin family member CD9 inhibits Aggrus/podoplanin-induced platelet aggregation and suppresses pulmonary metastasis
Authors: Nakazawa Youya , Sato Shigeo , Naito Mikihiko , Kato Yukinari , Mishima Kazuhiko , Arai Hiroyuki , Tsuruo Takashi , Fujita Naoya
Published: June 2008

CD9 has been reported to play a role in tumor metastasis suppression. However, it is not fully understood how CD9 affects the hematogenous spread of tumor cells. To clarify a new mechanism (or mechanisms), we generated HT1080 cells that had been transfected with a CD9-expressing plasmid. Ectopic expression of CD9 in HT1080 cells actually reduced their metastatic ability. CD9 expression reduced lung retention and platelet ag-gregation activity of the transfectants. Because HT1080 cells express the metastasis-promoting, platelet aggregation-inducing factor Aggrus/podoplanin on their surface, we examined the relationship between CD9 and Aggrus. We discovered that CD9 formed a complex with Aggrus via transmembrane domains 1 and 2 (TM1 and TM2) of CD9. Investigation of the interaction revealed that each CD9 and Aggrus interacted homophilically, and that they colocalized in low-density membrane fractions. Deleting TM1 and TM2 attenuated the ability of CD9 to interact homophilically or to localize in low-density membrane fractions. The expression of CD9–wild-type (WT), but not CD9 lacking TM1 and TM2, attenuated the platelet aggregation and metastasis induced by forced expression of Aggrus in CHO cells. Therefore, CD9 may act as a metastasis suppressor, at least in part, by neutralizing Aggrus-mediated platelet aggregation.
Identification of Pou5f1, Sox2, and Nanog downstream target genes with statistical confidence by applying a novel algorithm to time course microarray and genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation data
Authors: Sharov Alexei A , Masui Shinji , Sharova Lioudmila V , Piao Yulan , Aiba Kazuhiro , Matoba Ryo , Xin Li , Niwa Hitoshi , Ko Minoru SH
Published: June 2008

Background

Target genes of a transcription factor (TF)Pou5f1(Oct3/4orOct4), which is essential for pluripotency maintenance and self-renewal of embryonic stem (ES) cells, have previously been identified based on their response toPou5f1manipulation and occurrence of Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-binding sites in promoters. However, many responding genes with binding sites may not be direct targets because response may be mediated by other genes and ChIP-binding site may not be functional in terms of transcription regulation.

Results

To reduce the number of false positives, we propose to separate responding genes into groups according to direction, magnitude, and time of response, and to apply the false discovery rate (FDR) criterion to each group individually. Using this novel algorithm with stringent statistical criteria (FDR < 0.2) to a compendium of published and new microarray data (3, 6, 12, and 24 hr afterPou5f1suppression) and published ChIP data, we identified 420 tentative target genes (TTGs) forPou5f1. The majority of TTGs (372) were down-regulated afterPou5f1suppression, indicating that thePou5f1functions as an activator of gene expression when it binds to promoters. Interestingly, many activated genes are potent suppressors of transcription, which include polycomb genes, zinc finger TFs, chromatin remodeling factors, and suppressors of signaling. Similar analysis showed thatSox2andNanogalso function mostly as transcription activators in cooperation withPou5f1.

Conclusion

We have identified the most reliable sets of direct target genes for key pluripotency genes –Pou5f1,Sox2, andNanog, and found that they predominantly function as activators of downstream gene expression. Thus, most genes related to cell differentiation are suppressed indirectly.
The patatin-like lipase family in Gallus gallus
Authors: Saarela Jani , Jung Gerlinde , Hermann Marcela , Nimpf Johannes , Schneider Wolfgang J
Published: June 2008

Background

In oviparous species, genes encoding proteins with functions in lipid remodeling, such as specialized lipases, may have evolved to facilitate the assembly and utilization of yolk lipids by the embryo. The mammalian gene family of patatin-like phospholipases (PNPLAs) has received significant attention, but studies in other vertebrates are lacking; thus, we have begun investigations of PNPLA genes in the chicken (Gallus gallus).

Results

We scanned the draft chicken genome using human PNPLA sequences, and performed PCR to amplify and sequence orthologous cDNAs. Full-length cDNA sequences of galline PNPLA2/ATGL, PNPLA4, -7, -8, -9, and the activator protein CGI-58, as well as partial cDNA sequences of avian PNPLA1, -3, and -6 were obtained. The high degree of sequence identities (~50 to 80%) between the avian and human orthologs suggests conservation of important enzymatic functions. Quantitation by qPCR of the transcript levels of PNPLA s and CGI-58 in 21 tissues indicates that expression patterns and levels diverge greatly between species. A particularly interesting tissue in which certain PNPLAs may contribute to physiological specialization is the extraembryonic yolk sac.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the exact in-vivo functions of PNPLAs in any system is still sparse. Thus, studies about the temporal expression patterns and functions of the enzymes identified here, and of other already known extracellular lipases and co-factors, in the yolk sac and embryonic tissues during embryogenesis are called for. Based on the information obtained, further studies are anticipated to provide important insights of the roles of PNPLAs in the yolk sac and embryo development.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of a novel phenotype in pigs characterized by juvenile hairlessness and age dependent emphysema
Authors: Bruun Camilla S , Jørgensen Claus B , Bay Lene , Cirera Susanna , Jensen Henrik E , Leifsson Páll S , Nielsen Jens , Christensen Knud , Fredholm Merete
Published: June 2008

Background

A pig phenotype characterized by juvenile hairlessness, thin skin and age dependent lung emphysema has been discovered in a Danish pig herd. The trait shows autosomal co-dominant inheritance with all three genotypes distinguishable. Since the phenotype shows resemblance to the integrin β6 -/- knockout phenotype seen in mice, the two genes encoding the two subunits of integrin αvβ6, i.e. ITGB6 and ITGAV, were considered candidate genes for this trait.

Results

The mutated pig phenotype is characterized by hairlessness until puberty, thin skin with few hair follicles and absence of musculi arrectores pili, and at puberty or later localized areas of emphysema are seen in the lungs. Comparative mapping predicted that the porcine ITGB6 andITGAV orthologs map to SSC15. In an experimental family (n = 113), showing segregation of the trait, the candidate region was confirmed by linkage analysis with four microsatellite markers. Mapping of the porcine ITGB6 and ITGAV in the IMpRH radiation hybrid panel confirmed the comparative mapping information. Sequencing of the ITGB6 and ITGAV coding sequences from affected and normal pigs revealed no evidence of a causative mutation, but alternative splicing of the ITGB6 pre-mRNA was detected. For both ITGB6 and ITGAV quantitative PCR revealed no significant difference in the expression levels in normal and affected animals. In a western blot, ITGB6 was detected in lung protein samples of all three genotypes. This result was supported by flow cytometric analyses which showed comparable reactions of kidney cells from affected and normal pigs with an integrin αvβ6 monoclonal antibody. Also, immunohistochemical staining of lung tissue with an integrin β6 antibody showed immunoreaction in both normal and affected pigs.

Conclusion

A phenotype resembling the integrin β6 -/- knockout phenotype seen in mice has been characterized in the pig. The candidate region on SSC15 has been confirmed by linkage analysis but molecular and functional analyses have excluded that the mutated phenotype is caused by structural mutations in or ablation of any of the two candidate genes.
Homeostatic regulation of sleep in the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)
Authors: Jones Stephany G , Vyazovskiy Vladyslav V , Cirelli Chiara , Tononi Giulio , Benca Ruth M
Published: June 2008

Background

Sleep is regulated by both a circadian and a homeostatic process. The homeostatic process reflects the duration of prior wakefulness: the longer one stays awake, the longer and/or more intense is subsequent sleep. In mammals, the best marker of the homeostatic sleep drive is slow wave activity (SWA), the electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum in the 0.5–4 Hz frequency range during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In mammals, NREM sleep SWA is high at sleep onset, when sleep pressure is high, and decreases progressively to reach low levels in late sleep. Moreover, SWA increases further with sleep deprivation, when sleep also becomes less fragmented (the duration of sleep episodes increases, and the number of brief awakenings decreases). Although avian and mammalian sleep share several features, the evidence of a clear homeostatic response to sleep loss has been conflicting in the few avian species studied so far. The aim of the current study was therefore to ascertain whether established markers of sleep homeostasis in mammals are also present in the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), a migratory songbird of the order Passeriformes. To accomplish this goal, we investigated amount of sleep, sleep time course, and measures of sleep intensity in 6 birds during baseline sleep and during recovery sleep following 6 hours of sleep deprivation.

Results

Continuous (24 hours) EEG and video recordings were used to measure baseline sleep and recovery sleep following short-term sleep deprivation. Sleep stages were scored visually based on 4-sec epochs. EEG power spectra (0.5–25 Hz) were calculated on consecutive 4-sec epochs. Four vigilance states were reliably distinguished based on behavior, visual inspection of the EEG, and spectral EEG analysis: Wakefulness (W), Drowsiness (D), slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. During baseline, SWA during D, SWS, and NREM sleep (defined as D and SWS combined) was highest at the beginning of the major sleep period and declined thereafter. Moreover, peak SWA in both SWS and NREM sleep increased significantly immediately following sleep deprivation relative to baseline.

Conclusion

As in mammals, sleep deprivation in the white-crowned sparrow increases the intensity of sleep as measured by SWA.
Benfotiamine, a synthetic S-acyl thiamine derivative, has different mechanisms of action and a different pharmacological profile than lipid-soluble thiamine disulfide derivatives
Authors: Volvert Marie-Laure , Seyen Sandrine , Piette Marie , Evrard Brigitte , Gangolf Marjorie , Plumier Jean-Christophe , Bettendorff Lucien
Published: June 2008

Background

Lipid-soluble thiamine precursors have a much higher bioavailability than genuine thiamine and therefore are more suitable for therapeutic purposes. Benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophosphate), an amphiphilic S-acyl thiamine derivative, prevents the progression of diabetic complications, probably by increasing tissue levels of thiamine diphosphate and so enhancing transketolase activity. As the brain is particularly sensitive to thiamine deficiency, we wanted to test whether intracellular thiamine and thiamine phosphate levels are increased in the brain after oral benfotiamine administration.

Results

Benfotiamine that is practically insoluble in water, organic solvents or oil was solubilized in 200 mM hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and the mice received a single oral administration of 100 mg/kg. Though thiamine levels rapidly increased in blood and liver to reach a maximum after one or two hours, no significant increase was observed in the brain. When mice received a daily oral administration of benfotiamine for 14 days, thiamine derivatives were increased significantly in the liver but not in the brain, compared to control mice. In addition, incubation of cultured neuroblastoma cells with 10 μM benfotiamine did not lead to increased intracellular thiamine levels. Moreover, in thiamine-depleted neuroblastoma cells, intracellular thiamine contents increased more rapidly after addition of thiamine to the culture medium than after addition of benfotiamine for which a lag period was observed.

Conclusion

Our results show that, though benfotiamine strongly increases thiamine levels in blood and liver, it has no significant effect in the brain. This would explain why beneficial effects of benfotiamine have only been observed in peripheral tissues, while sulbutiamine, a lipid-soluble thiamine disulfide derivative, that increases thiamine derivatives in the brain as well as in cultured cells, acts as a central nervous system drug. We propose that benfotiamine only penetrates the cells after dephosphorylation by intestinal alkaline phosphatases. It then enters the bloodstream as S-benzoylthiamine that is converted to thiamine in erythrocytes and in the liver. Benfotiamine, an S-acyl derivative practically insoluble in organic solvents, should therefore be differentiated from truly lipid-soluble thiamine disulfide derivatives (allithiamine and the synthetic sulbutiamine and fursultiamine) with a different mechanism of absorption and different pharmacological properties.
Comparative actions of progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, drospirenone and nestorone on breast cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Fu Xiao-Dong , Giretti Maria Silvia , Goglia Lorenzo , Flamini Marina Ines , Sanchez Angel Matias , Baldacci Chiara , Garibaldi Silvia , Sitruk-Ware Regine , Genazzani Andrea Riccardo , Simoncini Tommaso
Published: June 2008

Background

Limited information is available on the effects of progestins on breast cancer progression and metastasis. Cell migration and invasion are central for these processes, and require dynamic cytoskeletal and cell membrane rearrangements for cell motility to be enacted.

Methods

We investigated the effects of progesterone (P), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), drospirenone (DRSP) and nestorone (NES) alone or with 17β-estradiol (E2) on T47-D breast cancer cell migration and invasion and we linked some of these actions to the regulation of the actin-regulatory protein, moesin and to cytoskeletal remodeling.

Results

Breast cancer cell horizontal migration and invasion of three-dimensional matrices are enhanced by all the progestins, but differences are found in terms of potency, with MPA being the most effective and DRSP being the least. This is related to the differential ability of the progestins to activate the actin-binding protein moesin, leading to distinct effects on actin cytoskeleton remodeling and on the formation of cell membrane structures that mediate cell movement. E2 also induces actin remodeling through moesin activation. However, the addition of some progestins partially offsets the action of estradiol on cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

These results imply that P, MPA, DRSP and NES alone or in combination with E2 enhance the ability of breast cancer cells to move in the surrounding environment. However, these progestins show different potencies and to some extent use distinct intracellular intermediates to drive moesin activation and actin remodeling. These findings support the concept that each progestin acts differently on breast cancer cells, which may have relevant clinical implications.
Expression of hepcidin mRNA is uniformly suppressed in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kijima Hiroaki , Sawada Tokihiko , Tomosugi Naohisa , Kubota Keiichi
Published: June 2008

Background

The present study evaluated the expression of hepcidin mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Samples of cancerous and non-cancerous liver tissue were taken from 40 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy. Expression of hepcidin mRNA was evaluated by real-time PCR, and compared in tumors differing in their degree of differentiation, number of tumors, and vessel invasion. Correlations between hepcidin expression and the interval until HCC recurrence, and the serum concentration of hepcidin were evaluated, together with the expression of mRNAs for other iron metabolism molecules, ferroportin and transferrin receptor 2 (Trf2).

Results

Hepcidin mRNA expression in non-cancerous and cancerous tissues was 1891.8 (32.3–23187.4) and 53.4 (1.9–3185.8), respectively (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in hepcidin expression among tumors differing in their degree of differentiation, number of tumors, or vessel invasion. There was no significant correlation between hepcidin expression and the interval until HCC recurrence. The serum concentration of hepcidin-25 was not correlated with hepcidin-mRNA expression. Finally, there were no significant differences in the expression of mRNA for ferroportin and Trf2 between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.

Conclusion

Expression of hepcidin mRNA is strikingly suppressed in cancerous, but not in non-cancerous tissues, in patients with HCC, irrespective of ferroportin or Trf2 expression. Uniform suppression of hepcidin may be linked to the development of HCC.
Comparison of primary health care services between urban and rural settings after the introduction of the first urban health centre in Vyronas, Greece
Authors: Mariolis Anargiros , Mihas Constantinos , Alevizos Alevizos , Mariolis-Sapsakos Theodoros , Marayiannis Konstantinos , Papathanasiou Marek , Gizlis Vassilios , Karanasios Dimitris , Merkouris Bodossakis
Published: June 2008

Background

Discrepancies in primary health care (PHC) services between urban and rural settings have already been studied in many countries; however, limited information exists regarding countries, such as Greece, where public Health Centres dedicated to primary care have not been in existence in major cities. The objective of this study was to evaluate points of divergence or convergence between an urban and a rural health centre, in an attempt to underline challenges faced by the introduction of urban health centres in Greece.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in the Health Centre of Vyronas, Athens, Greece and in the Health Centre of Nea (New) Madytos, Thessaloniki Prefecture, Greece between February 2004 and February 2006. The profile of the population seeking care, as well as data on the services provided were collected and compared. In addition, the reason for choosing each primary health care unit was also recorded.

Results

More patients visited the urban centre (145415 vs. 112513), while the pattern of services utilized by the citizens differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two Health Centres. The frequency of diagnoses made according to ICPC-2 was not similar in the two Health Centres (p < 0.001). The three most frequent reasons for the adults choosing the Health Centre for their problem were low waiting time, proximity to residence and satisfaction with the services provided in previous visits in Vyronas.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the significant differences regarding PHC services utilization between an urban and a rural population. Urban citizens seem to have different health needs and reasons for choosing a PHC unit than residents of the Greek countryside. Proximity to health services and the public character of the urban health centre seem to be its main advantages.
The resting sites and blood-meal sources of Anopheles minimus in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Mei-Chun , Teng Hwa-Jen , Chen Chen-Fu , Chen Yung-Chen , Jeng Chian-Ren
Published: June 2008

Background

The WHO declared Taiwan free from malaria in 1965, but in 2003 the reporting of two introduced cases in a rural area suggested a possible local transmission of this disease. Therefore, understanding the resting sites and the blood sources of Anopheles minimus is crucial in order to provide information for implementing vector control strategies.

Methods

During a two-year survey, mosquitoes were collected in houses and their surrounding areas and at the bank of larval habitats by backpack aspirators in 17 villages in rural areas of southern and eastern Taiwan for 1 hr. On the same day, blacklight traps were hung downward overnight. Blood-fed mosquito samples were analysed by PCR.

Results

Of the 195 total households surveyed by backpack aspirators, no Anopheles adults were collected inside the houses, while a single Anopheles minimus and a single Anopheles maculatus were collected outside of the houses. On the same day, 23 An. minimus, two An. maculatus, two Anopheles ludlowae, two Anopheles sinensis, and one Anopheles tessellatus were collected along the bank of larval habitats. In blacklight traps hung outside of the houses in the villages, 69 An. minimus, 62 An. ludlowae, 31 An. sinensis, and 19 An. maculatus were collected. In larval habitats, 98 An. ludlowae, 64 An. minimus, 49 An. sinensis, and 14 An. maculatus were collected. Of a total of 10 blood-fed samples, An. minimus fed on four animals including bovine (60%), dogs (20%), pig (10%), and non-chicken avian (10%).

Conclusion

Anopheles minimus, an opportunist feeder in Taiwan, was not collected inside the houses, but was found outside of the houses in villages and surrounding larval habitats. Therefore, an outdoor transmission of malaria is likely to occur and, thus, the bed nets, which are favoured for controlling the late biting of An. minimus, should be a very efficient and effective method for those local residents who sleep outdoors. Additionally, space spray of insecticides for Anopheles at night, as well as residual spray inside animal huts and selective larval habitats, are also helpful to control female adults.
Clinical efficacy and problems with CT lymphography in identifying the sentinel node in breast cancer
Authors: Takahashi Masako , Sasa Mitsunori , Hirose Chieko , Hisaoka Sonoka , Taki Masako , Hirose Toshiyuki , Bando Yoshimi
Published: June 2008

Background

Combining a radioisotope with a dye-guided method is the best method for identification of the sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) in breast cancer. However, some institutions are limited to use of a dye-guided method alone. Recently, computed tomographic lymphography (CTLG) employing a nonionic contrast medium has achieved SN identification.

Patients and methods

218 patients with primary breast cancer and no clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis were studied. SN identification was performed by CTLG and a dye-guided method. The SN identification rate was analyzed for correlations with the clinicopathological findings.

Results

The SN identification rates were 96% with CTLG, 92% with the dye-guided method and 99% with both methods combined. The identification rates with CTLG and the combined method were significantly lower in node-positive patients compared to node-negative patients, and significantly lower with the combined method in vascular invasion-positive patients compared to negative patients. In addition, the SN identification rate with the dye-guided method was significantly lower in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25, whereas the BMI did not affect the identification rate with CTLG or the combined method. Multiple SNs were detected in approximately 20% of the patients.

Conclusion

Combined performance of CTLG and a dye-guided method enables identification of SNs prior to breast cancer surgery. That SN identification is easier compared with by the dye-guided method alone, and the identification rate is improved compared with either method alone. The combination of methods was especially useful in obese patients. For patients with multiple SNs, the combination has the further advantage of enabling accurate SN biopsy. CTLG may yield false-negative findings in node-positive patients and patients with lymph vessel obstruction.
Involvement of P311 in the Affective, but Not in the Sensory Component of Pain
Authors: Sun Yan-Gang , Gao Yong-Jing , Zhao Zhong-Qiu , Huang Bing , Yin Jun , Taylor Gregory A , Chen Zhou-Feng
Published: June 2008

Pain is comprised of the sensory and affective components. Compared to the well-investigated mechanisms of the sensory pain, much less is known about the mechanisms underlying the affective pain. In recent years, accumulating evidence suggests that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key structure for pain affection. To identify the molecules that may be involved in the affective component of pain, we have searched the Allen Brain Atlas expression database for genes whose expression is enriched in the ACC, and found that P311, an 8-kDa peptide, showed the strong expression in the ACC. P311 is also expressed in other areas associated with pain affection including the amygdala, insular cortex and thalamus. To understand the role of P311 in pain perception, we have examined the pain behaviors of the mice lacking P311. P311-/- mice showed normal heat and mechanical sensitivity, as well as normal formalin-induced inflammatory pain. In contrast, the formalin-induced avoidance behavior, which reflects pain-related negative emotion, was significantly attenuated in P311-/- mice relative to the control mice. These results suggest that P311 is involved in the affective, but not in the sensory component of pain. Our study thus provides the first evidence suggesting that the affective and sensory pain may be regulated by distinct molecular mechanisms.
Diversity of Bacillus-like organisms isolated from deep-sea hypersaline anoxic sediments
Authors: Sass Andrea M , McKew Boyd A , Sass Henrik , Fichtel Jörg , Timmis Kenneth N , McGenity Terry J
Published: June 2008

Background

The deep-sea, hypersaline anoxic brine lakes in the Mediterranean are among the most extreme environments on earth, and in one of them, the MgCl2-rich Discovery basin, the presence of active microbes is equivocal. However, thriving microbial communities have been detected especially in the chemocline between deep seawater and three NaCl-rich brine lakes, l'Atalante, Bannock and Urania. By contrast, the microbiota of these brine-lake sediments remains largely unexplored.

Results

Eighty nine isolates were obtained from the sediments of four deep-sea, hypersaline anoxic brine lakes in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: l'Atalante, Bannock, Discovery and Urania basins. This culture collection was dominated by representatives of the genus Bacillus and close relatives (90% of all isolates) that were investigated further. Physiological characterization of representative strains revealed large versatility with respect to enzyme activities or substrate utilization. Two third of the isolates did not grow at in-situ salinities and were presumably present as endospores. This is supported by high numbers of endospores in Bannock, Discovery and Urania basins ranging from 3.8 × 105 to 1.2 × 106 g-1 dw sediment. However, the remaining isolates were highly halotolerant growing at salinities of up to 30% NaCl. Some of the novel isolates affiliating with the genus Pontibacillus grew well under anoxic conditions in sulfidic medium by fermentation or anaerobic respiration using dimethylsulfoxide or trimethylamine N-oxide as electron acceptor.

Conclusion

Some of the halophilic, facultatively anaerobic relatives of Bacillus appear well adapted to life in this hostile environment and suggest the presence of actively growing microbial communities in the NaCl-rich, deep-sea brine-lake sediments.
Phenylhexyl isothiocyanate has dual function as histone deacetylase inhibitor and hypomethylating agent and can inhibit myeloma cell growth by targeting critical pathways
Authors: Lu Quanyi , Lin Xianghua , Feng Jean , Zhao Xiangmin , Gallagher Ruth , Lee Marietta Y , Chiao Jen-Wei , Liu Delong
Published: June 2008

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a new class of chemotherapeutic agents. Our laboratory has recently reported that phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI), a synthetic isothiocyanate, is an inhibitor of HDAC. In this study we examined whether PHI is a hypomethylating agent and its effects on myeloma cells. RPMI8226, a myeloma cell line, was treated with PHI. PHI inhibited the proliferation of the myeloma cells and induced apoptosis in a concentration as low as 0.5 μM. Cell proliferation was reduced to 50% of control with PHI concentration of 0.5 μM. Cell cycle analysis revealed that PHI caused G1-phase arrest of RPMI8226 cells. PHI induced p16 hypomethylation in a concentration- dependent manner. PHI was further shown to induce histone H3 hyperacetylation in a concentration-dependent manner. It was also demonstrated that PHI inhibited IL-6 receptor expression and VEGF production in the RPMI8226 cells, and reactivated p21 expression. It was found that PHI induced apoptosis through disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. For the first time we show that PHI can induce both p16 hypomethylation and histone H3 hyperacetylation. We conclude that PHI has dual epigenetic effects on p16 hypomethylation and histone hyperacetylation in myeloma cells and targets several critical processes of myeloma proliferation.
The hidden universal distribution of amino acid biosynthetic networks: a genomic perspective on their origins and evolution
Authors: Hernández-Montes Georgina , Díaz-Mejía J Javier , Pérez-Rueda Ernesto , Segovia Lorenzo
Published: June 2008

Background

Twenty amino acids comprise the universal building blocks of proteins. However, their biosynthetic routes do not appear to be universal from an Escherichia coli-centric perspective. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand their origin and evolution in a global context, that is, to include more 'model' species and alternative routes in order to do so. We use a comparative genomics approach to assess the origins and evolution of alternative amino acid biosynthetic network branches.

Results

By tracking the taxonomic distribution of amino acid biosynthetic enzymes, we predicted a core of widely distributed network branches biosynthesizing at least 16 out of the 20 standard amino acids, suggesting that this core occurred in ancient cells, before the separation of the three cellular domains of life. Additionally, we detail the distribution of two types of alternative branches to this core: analogs, enzymes that catalyze the same reaction (using the same metabolites) and belong to different superfamilies; and 'alternologs', herein defined as branches that, proceeding via different metabolites, converge to the same end product. We suggest that the origin of alternative branches is closely related to different environmental metabolite sources and life-styles among species.

Conclusion

The multi-organismal seed strategy employed in this work improves the precision of dating and determining evolutionary relationships among amino acid biosynthetic branches. This strategy could be extended to diverse metabolic routes and even other biological processes. Additionally, we introduce the concept of 'alternolog', which not only plays an important role in the relationships between structure and function in biological networks, but also, as shown here, has strong implications for their evolution, almost equal to paralogy and analogy.
Axitinib Is an Active Treatment for All Histologic Subtypes of Advanced Thyroid Cancer: Results From a Phase II Study
Authors: Cohen Ezra E.W. , Rosen Lee S. , Vokes Everett E. , Kies Merrill S. , Forastiere Arlene A. , Worden Francis P. , Kane Madeleine A. , Sherman Eric , Kim Sinil , Bycott Paul , Tortorici Michael , Shalinsky David R. , Liau Katherine F. , Cohen Roger B.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Patients with advanced, incurable thyroid cancer not amenable to surgery or radioactive iodine (131I) therapy have few satisfactory therapeutic options. This multi-institutional study assessed the activity and safety of axitinib, an oral, potent, and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) 1, 2, and 3 in patients with advanced thyroid cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients with thyroid cancer of any histology that was resistant or not appropriate for 131I were enrolled onto a single-arm phase II trial to receive axitinib orally (starting dose, 5 mg twice daily). Objective response rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors was the primary end point. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, safety, and modulation of soluble (s) VEGFR.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled. Partial responses were observed in 18 patients, yielding an ORR of 30% (95% CI, 18.9 to 43.2). Stable disease lasting ≥ 16 weeks was reported in another 23 patients (38%). Objective responses were noted in all histologic subtypes. Median PFS was 18.1 months (95% CI, 12.1 to not estimable). Axitinib was generally well tolerated, with the most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse event being hypertension (n = 7; 12%). Eight patients (13%) discontinued treatment because of adverse events. Axitinib selectively decreased sVEGFR-2 and sVEGFR-3 plasma concentrations versus sKIT, demonstrating its targeting of VEGFR.

Conclusion

Axitinib is a selective inhibitor of VEGFR with compelling antitumor activity in all histologic subtypes of advanced thyroid cancer.
Primary Cutaneous Small/Medium CD4+ T-Cell Lymphomas: A Heterogeneous Group of Tumors With Different Clinicopathologic Features and Outcome
Authors: Garcia-Herrera Adriana , Colomo Luis , Camós Mireia , Carreras Joaquín , Balague Olga , Martinez Antonio , Lopéz-Guillermo Armando , Estrach Teresa , Campo Elias
Published: June 2008

Purpose

To define the clinical and pathologic characteristics of primary cutaneous small/medium CD4+ T-cell lymphoma (PCSM-TCL) and identify parameters of prognostic significance.

Patients and Methods

We have investigated 24 patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas composed of small/medium mature T-cells with a βF1, CD3, CD4+ and/or noncytotoxic, CD8– and CD30– phenotype. The proliferation index and CD8+ infiltrating cells were quantified with an automated image analysis system.

Results

Sixteen patients presenting with solitary or localized plaques or small nodules (< 3 cm) had an indolent course. Only three patients experienced repeated cutaneous relapses, and none of them died as a result of the disease after 1 to 168 months (median, 17 months) of follow-up. The tumors had a low proliferation (median Ki-67, 9% ± 5%) and an intense infiltrate of reactive CD8+ (median, 20% ± 11.7%). Five patients presenting with rapidly evolving large tumors or nodules (≥ 5 cm) had an aggressive disease and died with extracutaneous dissemination 18 to 36 months after diagnosis (median, 23 months). These tumors had a significantly higher proliferation (median Ki-67, 22% ± 11.3%; P < .05) and lower number of infiltrating CD8+ (median, 1% ± 3%; P < .05) than the previous group. A third group of three patients had a peculiar clinical presentation with multifocal relapsing lesions without extracutaneous dissemination after a long period of follow-up ranging from 41 to 92 months. Histologically, these cases had an intense infiltrate of eosinophils.

Conclusion

PCSM-TCL is a heterogeneous group of tumors with differentiated clinical and pathological characteristics with impact in the outcome of the patients.
Composition-Dependent Ion-Exchange Reactivity of Potassium Lithium Titanates
Authors: Fuse Yasufumi , Ide Yusuke , Ogawa Makoto
Published: June 2008

The ion exchange of dodecylammonium ion was examined for two potassium lithium titanates; the titanates were K0.80Ti1.71Li0.29O3.97 prepared by a solid-state reaction at 800 °C and K0.66Ti1.73Li0.27O3.93 prepared by a solid-state reaction at 1020 °C followed by reaction with aqueous H2SO4 and subsequent annealing. A single phase intercalation compound formed successfully for K0.66Ti1.73Li0.27O3.93 (the amount of the adsorbed dodecylammonium was 2.1 mmol g−1) by reaction with an aqueous solution of dodecylammonium chloride. On the other hand, the parent titanate remained for K0.80Ti1.71Li0.29O3.97 (1.4 mmol g−1).
Psychological theory and pedagogical effectiveness: The learning promotion potential framework
Authors: Tomlinson Peter
Published: June 2008

Background: After a century of educational psychology, eminent commentators are still lamenting problems besetting the appropriate relating of psychological insights to teaching design, a situation not helped by the persistence of crude assumptions concerning the nature of pedagogical effectiveness.

Aims To propose an analytical or meta‐theoretical framework based on the concept of learning promotion potential (LPP) as a basis for understanding the basic relationship between psychological insights and teaching strategies, and to draw out implications for psychology‐based pedagogical design, development and research.

Method This is a theoretical and meta‐theoretical paper relying mainly on conceptual analysis, though also calling on psychological theory and research.

Content Since teaching consists essentially in activity designed to promote learning, it follows that a teaching strategy has the potential in principle to achieve particular kinds of learning gains (LPP) to the extent that it embodies or stimulates the relevant learning processes on the part of learners and enables the teacher's functions of on‐line monitoring and assistance for such learning processes. Whether a teaching strategy actually does realize its LPP by way of achieving its intended learning goals depends also on the quality of its implementation, in conjunction with other factors in the situated interaction that teaching always involves. The core role of psychology is to provide well‐grounded indication of the nature of such learning processes and the teaching functions that support them, rather than to directly generate particular ways of teaching. A critically eclectic stance towards potential sources of psychological insight is argued for. Applying this framework, the paper proposes five kinds of issue to be attended to in the design and evaluation of psychology‐based pedagogy. Other work proposing comparable ideas is briefly reviewed, with particular attention to similarities and a key difference with the ideas of Oser and Baeriswyl (2001).
Modelling antecedents of blood donation motivation among non‐donors of varying age and education
Authors: Lemmens K. P. H. , Abraham C. , Ruiter R. A. C. , Veldhuizen I. J. T. , Dehing C. J. G. , Bos A. E. R. , Schaalma H. P.
Published: June 2008

Understanding blood donation motivation among non‐donors is prerequisite to effective recruitment. Two studies explored the psychological antecedents of blood donation motivation and the generalisability of a model of donation motivation across groups differing in age and educational level. An older well‐educated population and a younger less well‐educated population were sampled. The studies assessed the role of altruism, fear of blood/needles and donation‐specific cognitions including attitudes and normative beliefs derived from an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Across both samples, results showed that affective attitude, subjective norm, descriptive norm, and moral norm were the most important correlates of blood donation intentions. Self‐efficacy was more important among the younger less well‐educated group. Altruism was related to donation motivation but only indirectly through moral norm. Similarly, fear of blood/needles only had an indirect effect on motivation through affective attitude and self‐efficacy. Additional analyses with the combined data set found no age or education moderation effects, suggesting that this core model of donation‐specific cognitions can be used to inform future practical interventions recruiting new blood donors in the general population.
Fit inside the work‐family black box: An ecology of the life course, cycles of control reframing
Authors: Moen Phyllis , Kelly Erin , Huang Reiping
Published: June 2008

Scholars have not fully theorized the multifaceted, interdependent dimensions within the work‐family ‘black box’. Taking an ecology of the life course approach, we theorize common work‐family and adequacy constructs as capturing different components ofemployees'cognitive appraisals of fitbetween their demands and resources at the interface between home and work. Employees' appraisals of their work‐family linkages and of their relative resource adequacy are not made independently but, rather, co‐occur as identifiable constellations of fit. The life course approach hypothesizes that shifts in objective demands/resources at work and at home over the life course result in employees experiencingcycles of control, that is, corresponding shifts in their cognitive assessments of fit. We further theorize patterned appraisals of fit are key mediators between objective work‐family conditions and employees' health, well‐being and strategic adaptations. As a case example, we examine whether employees' assessments on 10 dimensions cluster together as patterned fit constellations, using data from a middle‐class sample of 753 employees working at Best Buy's corporate headquarters. We find no single linear construct of fit that captures the complexity within the work‐family black box. Instead, respondents experience six distinctive constellations of fit: one optimal; two poor; and three moderate fit constellations.
Association of Conventional Goals and Perceptions of Pregnancy with Female Teenagers’ Pregnancy Avoidance Behavior and Attitudes
Authors: Jumping‐Eagle Sara , Sheeder Jeanelle , Kelly Lisa S. , Stevens‐Simon Catherine
Published: June 2008

CONTEXT:  Fostering conventional goals is a key component of pregnancy prevention interventions for teenagers. However, research has not shown whether having goals independently influences sexual behavior, or whether the perception that pregnancy represents an impediment to achieving goals mediates any association.

METHODS:  In 1999–2001, a racially mixed group of 351 sexually experienced female teenagers who were inadequate contraceptive users completed surveys about goals, the anticipated impact of childbearing on these goals, and protective behaviors and attitudes. Chi‐square, regression and two‐by‐two table analyses assessed associations between goals and perceptions of early childbearing and pregnancy avoidance measures.

RESULTS:  Three‐fourths of respondents had educational or vocational goals. Eight in 10 of these teenagers perceived their goals to be achievable, but fewer than half thought pregnancy would be an impediment to achieving these goals. Teenagers who had goals were more likely than others to have used a contraceptive at last intercourse (odds ratio, 1.9), but controlling for the perception of pregnancy as an impediment eliminated this association. In contrast, considering pregnancy an impediment was associated with an increased likelihood of supporting each pregnancy avoidance measure (2.1–9.6), and of intending to avoid pregnancy and to have an abortion if pregnant, regardless of whether teenagers had goals (8.3–13.8).

CONCLUSIONS:  Conventional goals appear to motivate teenagers to avoid getting pregnant only if they believe pregnancy will be an impediment. Thus, it may be less important to encourage young women to formulate goals than to ensure that they consider adolescent childbearing a threat to their plans.