bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency penality and authoritarian liberalism
Authors: Iturralde Manuel
Published: July 2008

This article discusses how the normalization of emergency penality, together with the rise of neoliberalism in the Colombian political and economic fields during the last decade, has given rise to authoritarian liberalism—a political model which encourages the hypertrophy of the penal state and the reduction of the social state. Colombian ethnic minorities, the indigenous and black populations, have suffered disproportionately from social exclusion and political violence, becoming victims, not only of illegal armed actors, but also of the punitive policies of Colombian governments. The normalization of emergency penality and the predominance of authoritarian liberalism are by no means peculiarities of the Colombian context, but the manifestation—in rather extreme circumstances—of a global trend that deploys punishment to uphold neoliberalism.
Totalization and detotalization
Authors: Rio Knut M. , Smedal Olaf H.
Published: July 2008

This article marks an effort to extend Louis Dumont's concept pair of hierarchy and individualism towards a more realistic understanding of social formations. Dumont's work is reviewed along with his critics, and through a survey of contemporary ethnography a move towards a concept of totalization is suggested. It is argued that a view of totalization and detotalization provides a vocabulary for a re-establishment of the social for the discipline of anthropology.
Cultural Intelligence
Authors: Thomas David C. , Elron Efrat , Stahl Günter , Ekelund Bjørn Z. , Ravlin Elizabeth C. , Cerdin Jean-Luc , Poelmans Steven , Brislin Richard , Pekerti Andre , Aycan Zeynep , Maznevski Martha , Au Kevin , Lazarova Mila B.
Published: July 2008

The construct of cultural intelligence, recently introduced to the management literature, has enormous potential in helping to explain effectiveness in cross cultural interactions. However, at present, no generally accepted definition or operationalization of this nascent construct exists. In this article, we develop a conceptualization of cultural intelligence that addresses a number of important limitations of previous definitions. We present a concise definition of cultural intelligence as a system of interacting abilities, describe how these elements interact to produce culturally intelligent behavior, and then identify measurement implications.
Strategies for Strengthening Causal Inferences in Cross Cultural Research
Authors: Leung Kwok , van de Vijver Fons J.R.
Published: July 2008

True experiments cannot be conducted in cross cultural research because it is impossible to assign participants to different cultures randomly. Cross cultural studies are therefore regarded as quasi-experimental research, and threats that jeopardize the validity of causal inferences in cross cultural research are reviewed. Borrowing from evolutionary biology and epidemiology, the consilience approach is advocated for strengthening the validity of cross cultural causal inferences. This approach holds that causal inferences in cross cultural research are most convincing when supported by diverse evidence based on a sound theoretical basis, multiple sources of data, different research methods, and explicit refutation of alternative interpretations. Three broad strategies for strengthening cross cultural causal inferences are proposed under the consilience framework, including the systematic contrast of cultural groups, the inclusion of covariates to rule out alternative explanations, and the use of multiple research methods, such as cross cultural experimentation. Future developments of cross cultural research methods are discussed.
Managers' Perceptions of Women and Men Leaders
Authors: Prime Jeanine , Jonsen Karsten , Carter Nancy , Maznevski Martha L.
Published: July 2008

We examined perceptions of managers from four Western European cultural groups about women's and men's leadership. Participants from every cultural group perceived reliable gender-based differences in leadership effectiveness. While some stereotypes varied across cultures, stereotyping patterns were more often linked to participants' gender than to their cultural beliefs. Unexpectedly, gender stereotypes of leaders were least prevalent among Latin respondents compared to those from more egalitarian cultures. In the Nordic and Anglo groups, male participants' stereotypes disparaged women's performance at the most valued leadership competencies. The implications for women's leadership advancement in these different cultural contexts are discussed.
Reflections of a Cross Cultural Scholar
Authors: Holden Nigel
Published: July 2008

Cet article de réflexion sappuie sur les 25 ans denseignement et de recherche en gestion interculturelle de lauteur. Il raconte comment il a commencé à écrire sur le management interculturel en tant que forme de gestion du savoir afin de tenter de sécarter dune pensée conventionnelle qui entravait, et entrave toujours selon lui, le développement intellectuel de la discipline. Il prétend que le défi nest pas de faire rentrer les comportements de lentreprise dans tel ou tel schéma de classification culturelle, mais de reconnaître dans la culture une influence transnationale qui na toujours pas été découverte dans les réseaux mondiaux de lentreprise. Diverses directions pour la recherche en gestion interculturelle sont proposées. Un autre thème majeur de cet article concerne la position du langage comme “ continent perdu du management » : une définition de lexpression « langage managérial » est proposée, suivie dune recherche philologique qui met en lumière un terme de gestion déjà utilisé en anglais en 1614.
Human Resource Development and Project Management: Key Connections
Authors: Carden Lila Lenoria , Egan Toby Marshall
Published: July 2008

As human resource development (HRD) efforts increase in scope, complexity and link to increasing numbers of key stakeholders, so do demands for careful and systematic execution of HRD implementation. Use of project management strategies and tools is an emerging solution for HRD implementation. Using a systematic literature search, intersections between project management and HRD literature are outlined. Key findings are presented for both articles that explore project management— and HRD-related issues explicitly as well as emerging HRD literature that may have import for HRD-related concerns. A summative figure, conceptual framework, propositions for HRD project management, and implications for research, theory, and practice are discussed.
Existential Communication and Leadership
Authors: Ashman Ian , Lawler John
Published: July 2008

The aim of this article is to introduce and explain a number of important existentialist philosophers and concepts that we believe can contribute to a critical approach to leadership theory. Emphasis is placed on understanding the nature of communication from an existentialist perspective and so Jaspers' conceptualization of existential communication is introduced along with important related concepts that may be regarded as important facets of leader communication including Being-in-the-world, the Other, intersubjectivity, dialogue and indirect communication. Particular attention is paid to Buber's ideas on communication as relationship and dialogue. Throughout, reference is made to contemporary, and what is often regarded as orthodox, thinking regarding the centrality of communication to leadership practice as a means by which to highlight the salience of an existentialist analysis.
Managing the Meaning of Leadership: Leadership as 'Communicating Intent' in Wildland Firefighting
Authors: Ziegler Jennifer A. , DeGrosky Michael T.
Published: July 2008

Leadership studies and communication studies increasingly overlap in the emergence of the post-industrial leadership paradigm. This study calls attention to how different underlying models of communication in leadership theorizing and program implementation in organizations may cause otherwise progressive theories to be falsely rejected before realizing their emancipatory potential. We analyze a leadership initiative in wildland firefighting, inspired by the German military philosophy of Auftragstaktik , which recommends communicating `leader's intent'. We show how talk about communication in the organization and talk about the theory may diverge. Adapting the language of metadiscourse theory, we explore alternate communication models to expand the practical metadiscourse of communication to better align it with the theoretical metadiscourse of leadership it purports to actualize.
Exploring Co-leadership Talk Through Interactional Sociolinguistics
Authors: Vine Bernadette , Holmes Janet , Marra Meredith , Pfeifer Dale , Jackson Brad
Published: July 2008

This article seeks to bring to the fore the processes by which leaders co-create leadership through collective talk within the workplace. Co-leadership has recently been recognized as an important aspect of leadership practice, especially at the top of organizations, yet it remains under-theorized and empirically under-explored. Guided by the desire to integrate concepts that have emerged from leadership psychology with discursive leadership approaches, this exploratory empirical study applies a specific form of discourse analysis, interactional sociolinguistics, to three different organizational contexts. Because interactional sociolinguistics focuses on the ways in which relationships are seen to be negotiated and maintained through talk, it is well placed to analyse leadership, a relational process involving leaders and followers that is predicated on asymmetrical power relations. The analysis demonstrates how successful co-leaders cooperate, dynamically shifting roles and integrating their leadership performance to encompass task-related and maintenance-related functions of leadership.
Examples as persuasive argument in popular management literature
Authors: Lischinsky Alon
Published: July 2008

In this article we take the use of examples as a means to explore the processes of persuasion and consensus-construction involved in the legitimation of popular management knowledge. Examples, as concrete instances or events used to substantiate a wider argument, have been variedly regarded in different research traditions. Classical logic and rhetoric have considered them an inferior form of argument, useful for pedagogic or public debate but inadequate for higher forms of thought. This spirit still permeates much psychological research on communication, where the great persuasive import of examples has been contrasted with more scientific and formal resources for argumentation. Considered in this light, the contingent and episodic nature of examples seems to make them cognitively inferior to explicit statements of general rules. However, various strands of research on the nature of scientific knowledge have shown that implicit forms of knowledge are an integral part of scientific expertise. Examples may thus be more central to disciplinary thought than the conventional normative view seems to allow. In this spirit, we explore the use of examples in a hotly contested field, that of popular discourse on business and management. The profusion of examples in this kind of writing has been often noted, and almost as often criticized. We seek to explore more fully how these examples are deployed, examining the discursive devices that mark examples within the development of the text, their function as rhetorical moves, and their role in presenting arguments that are never otherwise made explicit.
Results of Tenolysis for Flexor Tendon Adhesion after Phalangeal Fracture
Authors: YAMAZAKI H. , KATO H. , UCHIYAMA S. , OHMOTO H. , MINAMI A.
Published: July 2008

There are only three reports of the surgical outcomes of flexor tendon tenolysis after phalangeal fractures. The fracture type, the time to mobilisation following injury and the time between the injury and tenolysis did not affect the results of tenolysis. The outcome only correlated significantly to the total passive range of motion before tenolysis.
Severe Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy caused by Traumatic Cubitus Valgus Deformity: Functional Outcome of Subcutaneous Anterior Transposition
Authors: JAVAD MORTAZAVI S. M. , HEIDARI P. , ASADOLLAHI S. , FARZAN M.
Published: July 2008

Ten male patients with McGowan’s grade III ulnar neuropathy due to traumatic cubitus valgus deformity underwent anterior subcutaneous ulnar transposition. Evaluation was performed using subjective and objective measures, and a modified Bishop score. After operation, subjective sensory and motor disturbances were improved or resolved in most of the patients, while objective measures improved less well. Improvement in two-point discrimination (2PD) was consistently associated with symptom relief. All of the patients reported satisfaction with the operation. There were no complications or recurrences. The results of ulnar nerve transposition in our patients were comparable to the results of this operation in patients with severe idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome. Although the outcome of surgery is not always satisfactory in severe ulnar neuropathy, symptom relief may justify performing the operation.
The Role of Wrist Anthropometric Measurement in Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: LIM P. G. , TAN S. , AHMAD T. SARA
Published: July 2008

Anthropometric wrist measurement ratios were examined for an association with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Wrist measurements were recorded in 67 patients with CTS and in a matched control group of 67 healthy volunteers. The Wrist Ratio (WR) (wrist anterior to posterior dimension/wrist medial–lateral dimension) and the Wrist Palm Ratio (wrist anterior to posterior dimension/palm length) were calculated for each case. We found that a WR of ≥0.70 and a Wrist Palm Ratio of >0.342 were significantly associated with idiopathic CTS.
Preparation, mechanical property and wear resistance of Ni–W/Al2O3 composite coatings
Authors: Yao Y. W.
Published: July 2008

Ni–W/Al2O3 composite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition in Ni–W plating solution containing Al2O3 particulates. The content of codeposited Al2O3 particulates in the composite coatings was controlled by the addition of different Al2O3 concentrations in the solution. The mechanical property and wear resistance of Ni–W/Al2O3 composite coatings and Ni–W alloy coating were comparatively investigated. The results indicated that addition of Al2O3 particulates would lead to an increase in microhardness of the composite coatings. The present study shows that the codeposited Al2O3 particulates in deposit increase the wear resistance and reduce the wear weight loss. Moreover, the wear resistance of Ni–W/Al2O3 composite coatings is closely related with Al2O3 content in deposit. Namely, the composite coating with a lower Al2O3 content of 3·3 wt-% shows somewhat increased wear resistance compared with the Ni–W alloy coating, while the composite coating with a higher Al2O3 content has much better wear resistance than the Ni–W coating.
High-resolution whole genome tiling path array CGH analysis of CD34+ cells from patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes reveals cryptic copy number alterations and predicts overall and leukemia-free survival
Authors: Starczynowski Daniel T. , Vercauteren Suzanne , Telenius Adele , Sung Sandy , Tohyama Kaoru , Brooks-Wilson Angela , Spinelli John J. , Eaves Connie J. , Eaves Allen C. , Horsman Douglas E. , Lam Wan L. , Karsan Aly
Published: July 2008

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) pose an important diagnostic and treatment challenge because of the genetic heterogeneity and poorly understood biology of the disease. To investigate initiating genomic alterations and the potential prognostic significance of cryptic genomic changes in low-risk MDS, we performed whole genome tiling path array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on CD34+ cells from 44 patients with an International Prognostic Scoring System score less than or equal to 1.0. Clonal copy number differences were detected in cells from 36 of 44 patients. In contrast, cells from only 16 of the 44 patients displayed karyotypic abnormalities. Although most patients had normal karyotype, aCGH identified 21 recurring copy number alterations. Examples of frequent cryptic alterations included gains at 11q24.2-qter, 17q11.2, and 17q12 and losses at 2q33.1-q33.2, 5q13.1-q13.2, and 10q21.3. Maintenance of genomic integrity defined as less than 3 Mb total disruption of the genome correlated with better overall survival (P = .002) and was less frequently associated with transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (P = .033). This study suggests a potential role for the use of aCGH in the clinical workup of MDS patients.
Co-cultures of multiple cell types mimic pulmonary cell communication in response to urban PM10
Authors: Alfaro-Moreno E. , Nawrot T. S. , Vanaudenaerde B. M. , Hoylaerts M. F. , Vanoirbeek J. A. , Nemery B. , Hoet P. H. M.
Published: July 2008

The current authors evaluated whether a system of co-cultures of relevant cells (pneumocytes (A549), macrophages (THP-1), mast cells (HMC-1) and endothelial cells (EAHY926)) would mimic the responses to particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10) previously reportedin vivo. The role of mast cells was considered of special interest.

Single cultures, bicultures (A549 + HMC-1 in a 10:1 ratio; THP-1 + HMC-1 in a 2:1 ratio) and tricultures (A549 + THP-1 + HMC-1 in a 10:2:1 ratio) were exposed to urban PM10(24 h at 0, 10, 30 or 100 µg·cm−2). Additionally, EAHY926 cells were introduced in inserts above the tricultures. The released cytokines were evaluated with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter array system.

THP-1 + HMC-1 bicultures and the tricultures released more granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and MIP-1α in response to PM10than the sum of the single cultures. Tricultures with EAHY926 released more G-CSF, MIP-1α, IL-8 and MIP-1β than the EAHY926 single culture.

The bicultures, tricultures and tricultures with EAHY926 provide results that are consistent with the local and systemic effects previously described for particulate matter effects,i.e.inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and bone marrow cell mobilisation. Mast cells seem to play a significant role in the co-culture responses.
The effect of OSAS on sick leave and work disability
Authors: Sivertsen B. , Øverland S. , Glozier N. , Bjorvatn B. , Mæland J. G. , Mykletun A.
Published: July 2008

The objective of the present study was to examine the independent contribution of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) to long-term sick leave and permanent work disability.

Using a historical cohort design with 4 yrs of follow-up, information on sick leave and disability benefit recipiency were merged with health information from the Hordaland Health Study, carried out in western Norway during 1997–1999. Persons aged 40–45 yrs (n = 7,028) were assessed for self-reported symptoms of OSAS (snoring, breathing cessations and daytime sleepiness), body mass index, somatic conditions and other potential confounders. The outcomes, cumulative sick leave of ≥8 weeks and permanent work disability, were identified in records from the National Insurance Administration.

After excluding participants with work disability at baseline, symptoms of OSAS were found to be a significant predictor of both subsequent long-term sick leave and permanent work disability. These effects remained significant after adjustment for a range of possible confounding factors. Daytime sleepiness showed the greatest explanatory power, followed by breathing cessations and snoring.

It is concluded that self-reported symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome are an independent risk factor for subsequent long-term sick leave and permanent work disability. These findings need to be replicated using objective measures of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Interferon-β augments eosinophil adhesion-inducing activity of endothelial cells
Authors: Kobayashi T. , Takaku Y. , Yokote A. , Miyazawa H. , Soma T. , Hagiwara K. , Kanazawa M. , Nagata M.
Published: July 2008

Viral infections induce exacerbations of asthma. One of the earliest host responses to viral infections is the production of innate cytokines including type I interferons (IFNs), such as IFN-β, which may act to modify airway inflammation. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether IFN-β modifies the eosinophil adhesion-inducing activity of endothelial cells.

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with IFN-β for 24 h in the presence or absence of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Eosinophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. The ability of the IFN-β-stimulated HUVEC monolayers to induce eosinophil adhesion was assessed according to the eosinophil peroxidase assay.

Eosinophil adhesion to HUVECs was significantly augmented by IFN-β in the presence of TNF-α but not in its absence. The augmented adhesion was inhibited by anti-α4integrin monoclonal antibody (mAb) or anti-β2integrin mAb. IFN-β significantly enhanced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on HUVECs in the presence of TNF-α.

Interferon-β can augment the adhesiveness of endothelial cells to eosinophils, mainly through the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. This action of interferon-β may contribute to the intensification of airway inflammation in asthma that is associated with exacerbations induced by viral infections.
Metabonomic analysis of exhaled breath condensate in adults by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: de Laurentiis G. , Paris D. , Melck D. , Maniscalco M. , Marsico S. , Corso G. , Motta A. , Sofia M.
Published: July 2008

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a noninvasive method for the study of airway lining fluid. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can provide biochemical profiles of metabolites in biological samples. The aim of the present study was to validate the NMR metabonomic analysis of EBC in adults, assessing the role of pre-analytical variables (saliva and disinfectant contamination) and the potential clinical feasibility.

In total, 36 paired EBC and saliva samples, obtained from healthy subjects, laryngectomised patients and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, were analysed by means of1H-NMR spectroscopy followed by principal component analysis. The effect on EBC of disinfectant, used for reusable parts of the condenser, was assessed after different washing procedures. To evaluate intra-day repeatability, eight subjects were asked to collect EBC and saliva twice within the same day.

All NMR saliva spectra were significantly different from corresponding EBC samples. EBC taken from condensers washed with recommended procedures invariably showed spectra perturbed by disinfectant. Each EBC sample clustered with corresponding samples of the same group, while presenting intergroup qualitative and quantitative signal differences (94% of the total variance within the data).

In conclusion, the nuclear magnetic resonance metabonomic approach could identify the metabolic fingerprint of exhaled breath condensate in different clinical sets of data. Moreover, metabonomics of exhaled breath condensate in adults can discriminate potential perturbations induced by pre-analytical variables.
Effects of NGF, NT-3 and GDNF family members on neurite outgrowth and migration from pelvic ganglia from embryonic and newborn mice
Authors: Stewart Ashley L , Anderson Richard B , Kobayashi Kazuto , Young Heather M
Published: July 2008

Background

Pelvic ganglia are derived from the sacral neural crest and contain both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. Various members of the neurotrophin and GDNF families of neurotrophic factors have been shown to play important roles in the development of a variety of peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons; however, to date, the role of these factors in the development of pelvic ganglia has been limited to postnatal and older ages. We examined the effects of NGF, NT-3, GDNF, neurturin and artemin on cell migration and neurite outgrowth from explants of the pelvic ganglia from embryonic and newborn mice grown on collagen gels, and correlated the responses with the immunohistochemical localization of the relevant receptors in fixed tissue.

Results

Cell migration assays showed that GDNF strongly stimulated migration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) cells of pelvic ganglia from E11.5, E14.5 and P0 mice. Other factors also promoted TH cell migration, although to a lesser extent and only at discrete developmental stages. The cells and neurites of the pelvic ganglia were responsive to each of the GDNF family ligands – GDNF, neurturin and artemin – from E11.5 onwards. In contrast, NGF and NT-3 did not elicit a significant neurite outgrowth effect until E14.5 onwards. Artemin and NGF promoted significant outgrowth of sympathetic (TH+) neurites only, whereas neurturin affected primarily parasympathetic (TH-negative) neurite outgrowth, and GDNF and NT-3 enhanced both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurite outgrowth. In comparison, collagen gel assays using gut explants from E11.5 and E14.5 mice showed neurite outgrowth only in response to GDNF at E11.5 and to neurturin only in E14.5 mice.

Conclusion

Our data show that there are both age-dependent and neuron type-dependent differences in the responsiveness of embryonic and neo-natal pelvic ganglion neurons to growth factors.
Spatial and temporal expression of the 23 murine Prolactin/Placental Lactogen-related genes is not associated with their position in the locus
Authors: Simmons David G , Rawn Saara , Davies Alastair , Hughes Martha , Cross James C
Published: July 2008

Background

The Prolactin (PRL) hormone gene family shows considerable variation among placental mammals. Whereas there is a single PRL gene in humans that is expressed by the pituitary, there are an additional 22 genes in mice including the placental lactogens (PL) and Prolactin-related proteins (PLPs) whose expression is limited to the placenta. To understand the regulation and potential functions of these genes, we conducted a detailed temporal and spatial expression study in the placenta between embryonic days 7.5 and E18.5 in three genetic strains.

Results

Of the 22 PRL/PL genes examined, only minor differences were observed among strains of mice. We found that not one family member has the same expression pattern as another when both temporal and spatial data were examined. There was also no correlation in expression between genes that were most closely related or between adjacent genes in the PRL/PL locus. Bioinformatic analysis of upstream regulatory regions identified conserved combinations (modules) of putative transcription factor binding sites shared by genes expressed in the same trophoblast subtype, supporting the notion that local regulatory elements, rather than locus control regions, specify subtype-specific expression. Further diversification in expression was also detected as splice variants for several genes.

Conclusion

In the present study, a detailed temporal and spatial placental expression map was generated for all murine PRL/PL family members from E7.5 to E18.5 of gestation in three genetic strains. This detailed analysis uncovered several new markers for some trophoblast cell types that will be useful for future analysis of placental structure in mutant mice with placental phenotypes. More importantly, several main conclusions about regulation of the locus are apparent. First, no two family members have the same expression pattern when both temporal and spatial data are examined. Second, most genes are expressed in multiple trophoblast cell subtypes though none were detected in the chorion, where trophoblast stem cells reside, or in syncytiotrophoblast of the labyrinth layer. Third, bioinformatic comparisons of upstream regulatory regions identified predicted transcription factor binding site modules that are shared by genes expressed in the same trophoblast subtype. Fourth, further diversification of gene products from the PRL/PL locus occurs through alternative splice isoforms for several genes.
Characterization of new IS elements and studies of their dispersion in two subspecies of Leifsonia xyli
Authors: Zerillo Marcelo M , Van Sluys Marie-Anne , Camargo Luis Eduardo A , Monteiro-Vitorello Claudia B
Published: July 2008

Background

Leifsonia xyli is a xylem-inhabiting bacterial species comprised of two subspecies: L. xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx) and L. xyli subsp. cynodontis (Lxc). Lxx is the causal agent of ratoon stunting disease in sugarcane commercial fields and Lxc colonizes the xylem of several grasses causing either mild or no symptoms of disease. The completely sequenced genome of Lxx provided insights into its biology and pathogenicity. Since IS elements are largely reported as an important source of bacterial genome diversification and nothing is known about their role in chromosome architecture of L. xyli, a comparative analysis of Lxc and Lxx elements was performed.

Results

Sample sequencing of Lxc genome and comparative analysis with Lxx complete DNA sequence revealed a variable number of IS transposable elements acting upon genomic diversity. A detailed characterization of Lxc IS elements and a comparative review with IS elements of Lxx are presented. Each genome showed a unique set of elements although related to same IS families when considering features such as similarity among transposases, inverted and direct repeats, and element size. Most of the Lxc and Lxx IS families assigned were reported to maintain transposition at low levels using translation regulatory mechanisms, consistent with our in silico analysis. Some of the IS elements were found associated with rearrangements and specific regions of each genome. Differences were also found in the effect of IS elements upon insertion, although none of the elements were preferentially associated with gene disruption. A survey of transposases among genomes of Actinobacteria showed no correlation between phylogenetic relatedness and distribution of IS families. By using Southern hybridization, we suggested that diversification of Lxc isolates is also mediated by insertion sequences in probably recent events.

Conclusion

Collectively our data indicate that transposable elements are involved in genome diversification of Lxc and Lxx. The IS elements were probably acquired after the divergence of the two subspecies and are associated with genome organization and gene contents. In addition to enhancing understanding of IS element dynamics in general, these data will contribute to our ongoing comparative analyses aimed at understanding the biological differences of the Lxc and Lxx.
Paclitaxel loading in PLGA nanospheres affected the in vitro drug cell accumulation and antiproliferative activity
Authors: Vicari Luisa , Musumeci Teresa , Giannone Ignazio , Adamo Luana , Conticello Concetta , De Maria Ruggero , Pignatello Rosario , Puglisi Giovanni , Gulisano Massimo
Published: July 2008

Background

PTX is one of the most widely used drug in oncology due to its high efficacy against solid tumors and several hematological cancers. PTX is administered in a formulation containing 1:1 Cremophor® EL (polyethoxylated castor oil) and ethanol, often responsible for toxic effects. Its encapsulation in colloidal delivery systems would gain an improved targeting to cancer cells, reducing the dose and frequency of administration.

Methods

In this paper PTX was loaded in PLGA NS. The activity of PTX-NS was assessed in vitro against thyroid, breast and bladder cancer cell lines in cultures. Cell growth was evaluated by MTS assay, intracellular NS uptake was performed using coumarin-6 labelled NS and the amount of intracellular PTX was measured by HPLC.

Results

NS loaded with 3% PTX (w/w) had a mean size < 250 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.4 after freeze-drying with 0.5% HP-Cyd as cryoprotector. PTX encapsulation efficiency was 30% and NS showed a prolonged drug release in vitro. An increase of the cytotoxic effect of PTX-NS was observed with respect to free PTX in all cell lines tested.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the greater biological effect of PTX-NS could be due to higher uptake of the drug inside the cells as shown by intracellular NS uptake and cell accumulation studies.
Novel sequence variants and a high frequency of recurrent polymorphisms in BRCA1gene in Sri Lankan breast cancer patients and at risk individuals
Authors: De Silva Wasanthi , Karunanayake Eric H , Tennekoon Kamani H , Allen Marie , Amarasinghe Indrani , Angunawala Preethika , Ziard Mohamed H
Published: July 2008

Background

Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Sri Lankan women. Germline mutations in the susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, though low in prevalence, are highly penetrant and show geographical variations. There have been only a few reports from Asia on mutations in BRCA1/2 genes and none from Sri Lanka.

Methods

A total of 130 patients with (N = 66) and without (N = 64) a family history of breast cancer, 70 unaffected individuals with a family history of breast cancer and 40 control subjects were analysed for BRCA1 mutations. All but exon 11 were screened by single strand conformation analysis (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis. PCR products which showed abnormal patterns in SSCP were sequenced. Exon 11 was directly sequenced.

Results

Nineteen sequence variants were found in BRCA1 gene. Two novel deleterious frame-shift mutations; c.3086delT/exon11 (in one patient) and c.5404delG/exon21 (in one patient and two of her family members) were identified. A possibly pathogenic novel missense mutation (c.856T>G/exon 11) and three novel intronic variants (IVS7+36C>T, IVS7+41C>T, IVS7+49del15) were characterised. Ten previously reported common polymorphisms and three previously reported intronic variants were also observed.

Conclusion

After screening of 66 patients with family history and 64 sporadic breast cancer patients, 2 deleterious mutations (c.3086delT and c.5404delG) in two families were identified and two more possibly pathogenic mutations (c.856T>G and IVS17-2A>T) in two families were identified.

Data base

BRCA1 - Gene Bank: Accession # U14680 Version # 14680.1
Overexpression of the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Marx Hans , Mattanovich Diethard , Sauer Michael
Published: July 2008

Background

High cell density cultures ofPichia pastorisgrown on methanol tend to develop yellow colored supernatants, attributed to the release of free flavins. The potential ofP. pastorisfor flavin overproduction is therefore given, but not pronounced when the yeast is grown on glucose. The aim of this study is to characterize the relative regulatory impact of each riboflavin synthesis gene. Deeper insight into pathway control and the potential of deregulation is established by overexpression of the single genes as well as a combined deregulation of up to all six riboflavin synthesis genes.

Results

Overexpression of the first gene of the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway (RIB1) is already sufficient to obtain yellow colonies and the accumulation of riboflavin in the supernatant of shake flask cultures growing on glucose. Sequential deregulation of all the genes, by exchange of their native promoter with the strong and constitutive glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter (PGAP) increases the riboflavin accumulation significantly.

Conclusion

The regulation of the pathway is distributed over more than one gene. High cell density cultivations of aP. pastorisstrain overexpressing all sixRIBgenes allow the accumulation of 175 mg/L riboflavin in the supernatant. The basis for rational engineering of riboflavin production inP. pastorishas thus been established.
Nisin inducible production of listeriolysin O in Lactococcus lactis NZ9000
Authors: Bahey-El-Din Mohammed , Griffin Brendan T , Gahan Cormac GM
Published: July 2008

Background

Listeria monocytogenesis a well-characterized food-borne pathogen that infects pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Listeriolysin O (LLO) is the major virulence factor of the pathogen and is often used as a diagnostic marker for detection ofL. monocytogenes. In addition, LLO represents a potent antigen driving T cell-mediated immunity during infection. In the present work,Lactococcus lactisNZ9000 was used as an expression host to hyper-produce LLO under inducible conditions using the NICE (NIsin Controlled Expression) system. We created a modified pNZ8048 vector encoding a six-His-tagged LLO downstream of the strong inducible PnisA promoter.

Results

The constructed vector (pNZPnisA:CYTO-LLO) was expressed inL. lactisNZ9000 and was best induced at mid-log phase with 0.2% v/v nisin for 4 h statically at 30°C. Purification of the His-tagged LLO was accomplished by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and functionality was confirmed through haemolytic assays. Total LLO yield (measured as total protein content) was 4.43–5.9 mg per litre culture and the haemolytic activity was still detectable after 8 months of storage at 4°C.

Conclusion

The LLO production method described in this work provides an approach to efficient LLO production in the Gram-positiveLactococcusbacterium to yield a significant source of the protein for research and diagnostic applications. Expression of LLO inL. lactishas a number of benefits overE. coliwhich may facilitate bothin vivoandin vitroapplications of this system.
Early home treatment of childhood fevers with ineffective antimalarials is deleterious in the outcome of severe malaria
Authors: Orimadegun Adebola E , Amodu Olukemi K , Olumese Peter E , Omotade Olayemi O
Published: July 2008

Background

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment including appropriate home-based treatment of malaria is a major strategy for malaria control. A major determinant of clinical outcome in case management is compliance and adherence to effective antimalarial regimen. Home-based malaria treatment with inappropriate medicines is ineffective and there is insufficient evidence on how this contributes to the outcome of severe malaria. This study evaluated the effects of pre-hospital antimalarial drugs use on the presentation and outcome of severe malaria in children in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty-eight children with a median age of 30 months comprising 114 children with cerebral malaria and 154 with severe malarial anaemia (as defined by WHO) were prospectively enrolled. Data on socio-demographic data, treatments given at home, clinical course and outcome of admission were collected and analysed.

Results

A total of 168 children had treatment with an antimalarial treatment at home before presenting at the hospital when there was no improvement. There were no significant differences in the haematocrit levels, parasite counts and nutritional status of the pre-hospital treated and untreated groups. The most commonly used antimalarial medicine was chloroquine. Treatment policy was revised to Artemesinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) in 2005 as a response to unacceptable levels of therapeutic failures with chloroquine, however chloroquine use remains high. The risk of presenting as cerebral malaria was 1.63 times higher with pre-hospital use of chloroquine for treatment of malaria, with a four-fold increase in the risk of mortality. Controlling for other confounding factors including age and clinical severity, pre-hospital treatment with chloroquine was an independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusion

This study showed that, home treatment with chloroquine significantly impacts on the outcome of severe malaria. This finding underscores the need for wide-scale monitoring to withdraw chloroquine from circulation in Nigeria and efforts intensified at promoting prompt treatment with effective medicines in the community.
Gastric metastases originating from occult breast lobular carcinoma: diagnostic and therapeutic problems
Authors: Ciulla Antonio , Castronovo Gioacchino , Tomasello Giovanni , Maiorana Alfonso Maurizio , Russo Leila , Daniele Elio , Genova Gaspare
Published: July 2008

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumour to metastasize into the gastrointestinal tract in female and is second only to malignant melanoma. Nevertheless gastrointestinal metastases arising from breast cancer are quite rare. The upper gastrointestinal tract is more frequently involved and lobular infiltrating carcinoma has a greater predilection compared to the ductal type.

Case presentation

The authors describe the case of a 70 years old woman with a preoperative diagnosis of gastric undifferentiated medullary – type carcinoma, which was the first manifestation of an occult breast carcinoma. The primary site of carcinoma was identified with the use of a panel of selected immunohistochemical markers.

Conclusion

Our goal in this case report is to increase the awareness of surgeons and clinicians to rule out the possibility of mammary origin in circumstance of gastric cancer occurring in female, even in patients without a previous or concurrent history of breast carcinoma. Although not a particularly common event, it is, nevertheless, reported in the literature. The differentiation between primary gastric carcinoma and metastatic breast carcinoma is essential for planning the correct therapeutic approach, in order to avoid the patient unnecessary surgery.
Multi-visceral resection of pancreatic VIPoma in a patient with sinistral portal hypertension
Authors: Joyce David L , Hong Kelvin , Fishman Elliot K , Wisell Joshua , Pawlik Timothy M
Published: July 2008

Background

VIPomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors poorly described in the literature. Aggressive resection of patients with advanced VIPoma neuroendocrine tumors has rarely been reported.

Case presentation

A 46 year old women presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea. A three-dimensional (3-D) pancreas protocol computed tomography scan revealed an 18 × 12 cm pancreatic VIPoma abutting the liver, stomach, spleen, left adrenal, colon that also invaded the distal duodenum – proximal jejunum at the ligament of Treitz in association with sinistral portal hypertension. Following preoperative proximal splenic artery embolization, the patient with underwent successful en bloc resection of the locally advanced VIPoma in conjunction with a diaphragmatic resection, total gastrectomy, splenectomy, left adrenalectomy, as well as small and large bowel resection. The estimated blood loss was 500 ml. All margins were negative (R0 resection). The patient is alive and disease-free.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the role of aggressive resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and highlights several key technical points that allowed for successful resection.
Multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets in young and old people
Authors: Koch Sven , Larbi Anis , Derhovanessian Evelyna , Özcelik Dennis , Naumova Elissaveta , Pawelec Graham
Published: July 2008

Background

T cell-mediated immunity in elderly people is compromised in ways reflected in the composition of the peripheral T cell pool. The advent of polychromatic flow cytometry has made analysis of cell subsets feasible in unprecedented detail.

Results

Here we document shifts in subset distribution within naïve (N), central memory (CM) and effector memory (EM) cells defined by CD45RA and CCR7 expression in the elderly, additionally using the costimulatory receptors CD27 and CD28, as well as the coinhibitory receptors CD57 and KLRG-1, to further dissect these. Although differences between young and old were more marked in CD8 than in CD4 cells, a similar overall pattern prevailed in both. Thus, the use of all these markers together, and inclusion of assays of proliferation and cytokine secretion, may enable the construction of a differentiation scheme applicable to CD4 as well as CD8 cells, with the model (based on Romero et al.) suggesting the progression N→CM→EM1→EM2→pE1→pE2→EM4→EM3→E end-stage non-proliferative effector cells.

Conclusion

Overall, the results suggest that both differences in subset distribution and differences between subsets are responsible for age-related changes in CD8 cells but that differences within rather than between subsets are more prominent for CD4 cells.
Widespread rape does not directly appear to increase the overall HIV prevalence in conflict-affected countries: so now what?
Authors: Anema Aranka , Joffres Michel R , Mills Edward , Spiegel Paul B
Published: July 2008

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is severely affected by HIV/AIDS and conflict. Sexual violence as a weapon of war has been associated with concerns about heightened HIV incidence among women. Widespread rape by combatants has been documented in Burundi, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sudan and Uganda. To examine the assertion that widespread rape may not directly increase HIV prevalence at the population level, we built a model to determine the potential impact of varying scenarios of widespread rape on HIV prevalence in the above seven African countries.

Discussion

Our findings show that even in the most extreme situations, where 15% of the female population was raped, where HIV prevalence among assailants was 8 times the country population prevalence, and where the HIV transmission rate was highest at 4 times the average high rate, widespread rape increased the absolute HIV prevalence of these countries by only 0.023%. These projections support the finding that widespread rape in conflict-affected countries in SSA has not incurred a major direct population-level change in HIV prevalence. However, this must not be interpreted to say that widespread rape does not pose serious problems to women's acquisition of HIV on an individual basis or in specific settings. Furthermore, direct and indirect consequences of sexual violence, such as physical and psychosocial trauma, unwanted pregnancies, and stigma and discrimination cannot be understated.

The conclusions of this article do not significantly change current practices in the field from an operational perspective. Proper care and treatment must be provided to every survivor of rape regardless of the epidemiological effects of HIV transmission at the population level. Sexual violence must be treated as a protection issue and not solely a reproductive health and psychosocial issue. It is worth publishing data and conclusions that could be misconstrued and may not make much of a programmatic difference in the field. Data, if collected, analysed and interpreted carefully, help to improve our understanding of complicated and nuanced situations. Ultimately, our understanding of what the outcomes of such interventions can achieve will be more realistic. It also helps decision-makers prioritise their funding and interventions.