bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-21 Regulates the Proliferation and Invasion in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Kamohara Hidenobu , Karashima Ryuichi , Sato Nobutaka , Imamura Yu , Nagai Youhei , Yoshida Naoya , Toyama Eiichiro , Hayashi Naoko , Watanabe Masayuki , Baba Hideo
Published: March 2009

Purpose: MicroRNAs are ∼22 nucleotide noncoding RNA molecules that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. The aim of this study was (a) to determine a role of microRNA-21 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and (b) to elucidate the regulation of the programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) gene by microRNA-21.

Experimental Design: MicroRNA-21 expression was investigated in 20 matched normal esophageal epitheliums and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and seven esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (TE6, TE8, TE10, TE11, TE12, TE14, KYSE30) by TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. To evaluate the role of microRNA-21, cell proliferation and invasion were analyzed with anti–microRNA-21–transfected cells. In addition, the regulation of PDCD4 by microRNA-21 was elucidated to identify the mechanisms of this regulation.

Results: Of 20 paired samples, 18 cancer tissues overexpressed microRNA-21 in comparison with matched normal epitheliums. Specifically, patients with lymph node metastasis or venous invasion showed significantly high expression of microRNA-21. In situ hybridization for microRNA-21 showed strong positive staining in paraffin-embedded esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues. All seven esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines also overexpressed microRNA-21, and anti–microRNA-21–transfected cells showed significant reduction in cellular proliferation and invasion. The PDCD4 protein levels in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells have an inverse correlation with microRNA-21 expression. Anti–microRNA-21–transfected cells increased PDCD4 protein expression without changing the PDCD4 mRNA level and increased a luciferase-reporter activity containing the PDCD4-3′ untranslated region construct.

Conclusions: MicroRNA-21 targets PDCD4 at the posttranscriptional level and regulates cell proliferation and invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It may serve as a novel therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
HER-2, Notch, and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Targeting an Axis of Evil
Authors: Korkaya Hasan , Wicha Max S.
Published: March 2009

Increasing evidence indicates that tumor-initiating (cancer stem) cells may contribute to treatment resistance and relapse, suggesting that improved clinical outcome will require effective targeting of this cell population. Recent studies suggest that the remarkable clinical efficacy of trastuzumab may relate to its ability to target cancer stem cell populations.
Algorithmic guided screening of drug combinations of arbitrary size for activity against cancer cells
Authors: Zinner Ralph G. , Barrett Brittany L. , Popova Elmira , Damien Paul , Volgin Andrei Y. , Gelovani Juri G. , Lotan Reuben , Tran Hai T. , Pisano Claudio , Mills Gordon B. , Mao Li , Hong Waun K. , Lippman Scott M. , Miller John H.
Published: March 2009

The standard treatment for most advanced cancers is multidrug therapy. Unfortunately, combinations in the clinic often do not perform as predicted. Therefore, to complement identifying rational drug combinations based on biological assumptions, we hypothesized that a functional screen of drug combinations, without limits on combination sizes, will aid the identification of effective drug cocktails. Given the myriad possible cocktails and inspired by examples of search algorithms in diverse fields outside of medicine, we developed a novel, efficient search strategy called Medicinal Algorithmic Combinatorial Screen (MACS). Such algorithms work by enriching for the fitness of cocktails, as defined by specific attributes through successive generations. Because assessment of synergy was not feasible, we developed a novel alternative fitness function based on the level of inhibition and the number of drugs. Using a WST-1 assay on the A549 cell line, through MACS, we screened 72 combinations of arbitrary size formed from a 19-drug pool across four generations. Fenretinide, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, and bortezomib (FSB) was the fittest. FSB performed up to 4.18 SD above the mean of a random set of cocktails or “too well” to have been found by chance, supporting the utility of the MACS strategy. Validation studies showed FSB was inhibitory in all 7 other NSCLC cell lines tested. It was also synergistic in A549, the one cell line in which this was evaluated. These results suggest that when guided by MACS, screening larger drug combinations may be feasible as a first step in combination drug discovery in a relatively small number of experiments. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(3):521–32]
Comparative Analysis of DNA Repair in Stem and Nonstem Glioma Cell Cultures
Authors: Ropolo Monica , Daga Antonio , Griffero Fabrizio , Foresta Mara , Casartelli Gianluigi , Zunino Annalisa , Poggi Alessandro , Cappelli Enrico , Zona Gianluigi , Spaziante Renato , Corte Giorgio , Frosina Guido
Published: March 2009

It has been reported that cancer stem cells may contribute to glioma radioresistance through preferential activation of the DNA damage checkpoint response and an increase in DNA repair capacity. We have examined DNA repair in five stem and nonstem glioma cell lines. The population doubling time was significantly increased in stem compared with nonstem cells, and enhanced activation of Chk1 and Chk2 kinases was observed in untreated CD133+ compared with CD133− cells. Neither DNA base excision or single-strand break repair nor resolution of pH2AX nuclear foci were increased in CD133+ compared with CD133− cells. We conclude that glioma stem cells display elongated cell cycle and enhanced basal activation of checkpoint proteins that might contribute to their radioresistance, whereas enhanced DNA repair is not a common feature of these cells. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(3):383–92)
Facultative Parthenogenesis in Vertebrates: Reproductive Error or Chance?
Authors: Lampert K.P.
Published: March 2009

Parthenogenesis, the development of an embryo from a female gamete without any contribution of a male gamete, is very rare in vertebrates. Parthenogenetically reproducing species have, so far, only been found in the Squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes). Facultative parthenogenesis, switching between sexual and clonal reproduction, although quite common in invertebrates, e.g. Daphnia and aphids, seems to be even rarer in vertebrates. However, isolated cases of parthenogenetic development have been reported in all vertebrate groups. Facultative parthenogenesis in vertebrates has only been found in captive animals but might simply have been overlooked in natural populations. Even though its evolutionary impact is hard to determine and very likely varies depending on the ploidy restoration mechanisms and sex-determining mechanisms involved, facultative parthenogenesis is already discussed in conservation biology and medical research. To raise interest for facultative parthenogenesis especially in evolutionary biology, I summarize the current knowledge about facultative parthenogenesis in the different vertebrate groups, introduce mechanisms of diploid oocyte formation and discuss the genetic consequences and potential evolutionary impact of facultative parthenogenesis in vertebrates.
Sense of Competence in a Dutch Sample of Informal Caregivers of Frontotemporal Dementia Patients
Authors: Riedijk Samantha , Duivenvoorden Hugo , Van Swieten John , Niermeijer Martinus , Tibben Aad
Published: March 2009

Objective: The sense of competence (SC) of informal caregivers of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients is important for their task but has rarely been assessed. Here, the relationship between caregiver burden and SC and the differential value of SC in understanding caregiver suffering were studied. Methods: At 24 months of follow-up patient behavioural problems, dementia severity, caregiver SC, burden, psychological complaints and quality of life were inspected cross-sectionally in 46 caregiver/care recipient dyads. Results: SC was unrelated to dementia severity and patient behavioural problems. Principal component analysis of SC revealed 3 dimensions: ‘emotions’, ‘attributions’ and ‘sacrifice’. Sacrificing one’s personal life to caregiving was associated with more psychological complaints and a worse physical and mental quality of life, as found in structural equation modelling. Conclusions: Caregiver suffering comprised an unbalance between self-care and caring for the FTD patient. FTD caregivers may benefit from psycho-education on self-care and methods to create time for their personal needs.
Serum Obestatin/Ghrelin Ratio Is Altered in Patients after Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Kim Sung , Lee Jun Haeng , Heo Jin Seok , Kwak Min Jung , Kim Su Jin , Sohn Young Bae , Kim Sang Eun , Song Sang Yong , Choe Yon Ho , Baek Ji Won , Rha Mi Yong , Oh Yoo Joung , Jin Dong-Kyu
Published: March 2009

Background/Aims: Ghrelin is a peptide hormone produced mainly in the stomach, and obestatin is derived by proteolytic cleavage of the ghrelin prepro-hormone. The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative serial changes in these hormones and whether hyperplasia of ghrelin-expressing cells occurs in the remnant stomach. Methods: We prospectively analyzed serial serum samples of 45 early gastric cancer patients and remnant stomach samples of 24 patients. Result: The serum obestatin level on day 2 was lower than that on day 0, and it subsequently returned to the level observed on day 0. In contrast, the serum ghrelin level was lower on days 120 and 210 than on day 0. Eventually, the obestatin/ghrelin ratio was significantly high on day 210 (p = 0.0003). Moreover, we did not observe an increase in the number of ghrelin-expressing cells. The number of ghrelin-expressing cells correlated with the serum ghrelin level. Conclusion: The serum level of obestatin and ghrelin exhibits a different time course in patients who have undergone gastrectomy, and there was no ghrelin-expressing cell hyperplasia in the remnant stomach despite the decrease in serum ghrelin.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy and Jejunal Extension Tube through Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: A Retrospective Analysis of Success, Complications and Outcome
Authors: Zopf Y. , Rabe C. , Bruckmoser T. , Maiss J. , Hahn E.G. , Schwab D.
Published: March 2009

Background: Percutaneous access to the jejunum is an important approach if gastrostomy feeding is not possible. Objective: To analyze success, short- and long-term complications (STCs, LTCs) in patients with percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) and jejunal access through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (Jet-PEG). Methods: A retrospective analysis of endoscopically placed PEJs and Jet-PEGs. Success rates, mortality, STCs and LTCs were investigated for risk factors comprising demographic data, underlying disease, previous surgery and experience of the endoscopist. Results: 205 PEJ and 58 Jet-PEG placements were included in the study. PEJs and Jet-PEGs were successfully placed in 65.4 and 89.7%, respectively. Billroth II surgery predisposed in favor of a significantly higher success rate for PEJ placement (p = 0.014, OR = 2.27). Inexperienced examiners have a significantly (p = 0.040) lower success rate for tube insertion than examiners with a medium level of experience. STCs and LTCs occurred evenly in PEJ and Jet-PEG patients. Dislocation of the tube occurred significantly more frequently in Jet-PEG patients (33.3%, p = 0.005). Aspiration was most common for bedridden patients. Conclusion: PEJ has a significantly lower success rate for insertions, but fewer LTCs. The experience of the endoscopist correlates with the success rate of tube insertion.
Wound Healing in Colonic Anastomosis in Hypothyroidism
Authors: Thá Nassif A.C. , Hintz Greca F. , Graf H. , Domingues Repka J.C. , Nassif L.S.
Published: March 2009

Colonic anastomosis healing in hypothyroidism was evaluated. Twenty Wistar rats were separated into two groups: the study group (n = 10), which underwent total thyroidectomy to induce hypothyroidism, and the control group (n = 10). After 10 weeks, hypothyroid status was confirmed by blood tests (p < 0.0001). Three days later, a colonic anastomosis was performed, and the animals were sacrificed 1 week later. The colon containing the anastomosis was resected for bursting strength tests and histological studies. The slides were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and with Sirius red to quantify and classify the collagen. Reduced values were found for the bursting strength test (p = 0.0006) and for collagen density in the experimental group. There was a prevalence of immature type III collagen (p < 0.0001) and a decrease in mature type I collagen (p < 0.0001) in the hypothyroid group.
A Novel Diagnostic Tool for Detecting Neonatal Infections Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Enomoto Masahiro , Morioka Ichiro , Morisawa Takeshi , Yokoyama Naoki , Matsuo Masafumi
Published: March 2009

Background: In newborns with infections, it is necessary to detect various pathogens rapidly and accurately, because the infections are often fatal when diagnosis is delayed. However, no diagnostic tools that rapidly detect pathogens causing neonatal infectious diseases are available. Objectives: To establish a rapid diagnostic tool using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect 8 major pathogens that often cause neonatal infections, including Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Ureaplasma urealyticum, herpes simplex virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Candida albicans, and to validate this tool in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: One hundred and thirty clinical samples were obtained from newborns with any infectious signs or histories. DNA was extracted from these samples and multiplex PCR was performed with a mixture of 8 primer pairs, all designed to amplify pathogenic DNA and produce different sizes of amplicons. Seventy-seven samples with suspicion of bacterial infections were also examined by bacterial culture to evaluate the accuracy of the multiplex PCR results. Results: Six of the 8 pathogens could be rapidly detected by our multiplex PCR method, within 3.5–4.5 h. These positive results led us to immediately diagnose and select proper drugs against each pathogen. In comparison with culture results, our test characteristics were as follows: specificity: 93%, negative predictive value: 96%, and concordance rate: 90%. Conclusions: We have established and validated a rapid diagnostic tool for detecting pathogens using multiplex PCR, which may be useful for the confirmed diagnosis of neonatal infections in the NICU.
Blockade of Estrogen Action Upregulates Estrogen Receptor-α mRNA in the Fetal Brain
Authors: Schaub Christine E. , Wood Charles E.
Published: March 2009

Background: Fetal neuroendocrine maturation in late gestation is critical for maintenance of fetal homeostasis, growth, and readiness for birth. Sheep express estrogen receptors (ERs) in various brain regions. However, little is known about the regulation of ER-α and ER-β in the ovine brain prenatally. Objective: The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the expression of ER is influenced by circulating estrogens in the late-gestation sheep fetus. Methods: Six chronically-catheterized twin fetal sheep were treated with vehicle or the ER blocker ICI 182,780 i.c.v. (0.25 μg/day). Fetuses were sacrificed 6–14 days after surgery and start of infusion. Brain regions were rapidly isolated and snap-frozen for later extraction of mRNA and protein. ER-α and ER-β mRNA was measured using real-time PCR and protein was measured using Western blot. Results: Treatment with ICI 182,780 increased ER-α mRNA, especially in cerebellum and hippocampus. There were no changes in ER-α protein and no changes in ER-β at either the mRNA or protein level. Conclusion: Expression of ER-α is influenced by endogenous estrogens in the ovine fetal brain.
Stratospheric Communication of El Niño Teleconnections to European Winter
Authors: Bell C. J. , Gray L. J. , Charlton-Perez A. J. , Joshi M. M. , Scaife A. A.
Published: March 2009

The stratospheric role in the European winter surface climate response to El Niño–Southern Oscillation sea surface temperature forcing is investigated using an intermediate general circulation model with a well-resolved stratosphere. Under El Niño conditions, both the modeled tropospheric and stratospheric mean-state circulation changes correspond well to the observed “canonical” responses of a late winter negative North Atlantic Oscillation and a strongly weakened polar vortex, respectively. The variability of the polar vortex is modulated by an increase in frequency of stratospheric sudden warming events throughout all winter months. The potential role of this stratospheric response in the tropical Pacific–European teleconnection is investigated by sensitivity experiments in which the mean state and variability of the stratosphere are degraded. As a result, the observed stratospheric response to El Niño is suppressed and the mean sea level pressure response fails to resemble the temporal and spatial evolution of the observations. The results suggest that the stratosphere plays an active role in the European response to El Niño. A saturation mechanism whereby for the strongest El Niño events tropospheric forcing dominates the European response is suggested. This is examined by means of a sensitivity test and it is shown that under large El Niño forcing the European response is insensitive to stratospheric representation.
Synoptic-Statistical Approach to Regional Downscaling of IPCC Twenty-First-Century Climate Projections: Seasonal Rainfall over the Hawaiian Islands*
Authors: Timm Oliver , Diaz Henry F.
Published: March 2009

A linear statistical downscaling technique is applied to the projection of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) climate change scenarios onto Hawaiian rainfall for the late twenty-first century. Hawaii’s regional rainfall is largely controlled by the strength of the trade winds. During the winter months, disturbances in the westerlies can produce heavy rainfall throughout the islands. A diagnostic analysis of sea level pressure (SLP), near-surface winds, and rainfall measurements at 134 weather observing stations around the islands characterize the correlations between the circulation and rainfall during the nominal wet season (November–April) and dry season (May–October). A comparison of the base climate twentieth-century AR4 model simulations with reanalysis data for the period 1970–2000 is used to define objective selection criterion for the AR4 models. Six out of 21 available models were chosen for the statistical downscaling. These were chosen on the basis of their ability to more realistically simulate the modern large-scale circulation fields in the Hawaiian Islands region.

For the AR4 A1B emission scenario, the six analyzed models show important changes in the wind fields around Hawaii by the late twenty-first century. Two models clearly indicate opposite signs in the anomalies. One model projects 20%–30% rainfall increase over the islands; the other model suggests a rainfall decrease of about 10%–20% during the wet season. It is concluded from the six-model ensemble that the most likely scenario for Hawaii is a 5%–10% reduction of the wet-season precipitation and a 5% increase during the dry season, as a result of changes in the wind field. The authors discuss the sources of uncertainties in the projected rainfall changes and consider future improvements of the statistical downscaling work and implications for dynamical downscaling methods.
Thermal Mechanical Testing of Low Density Thermoplastic Foam
Authors: Guzman J.C. , McCarville D.A. , Rotter D.M.
Published: March 2009

Foams made from engineered thermoplastic resin systems possess high glass transition temperatures. When compared to most thermoset resins, it was anticipated that lightly cross-linked foam candidates might survive high temperature/ pressure cures. This is especially true if the viscosity decline (i.e., loosening of weak secondary bonds) during sandwich bond cycles were found to be gradual enough to be controllable. To test this supposition, a low-cost five-step screening down-select methodology was utilized: (a) survey and evaluate vendor data, (b) pre-screen candidate foams using a vertical flame test, (c) characterize basic material properties using room temperature quasi-static compression testing, (d) evaluate failure mechanisms via elevated temperature compression testing, and (e) validate material functionality by conducting flat and contoured autoclave sandwich panel bond trials. None of the three candidate materials evaluated individually met all research requirements. Still, the population taken as a whole exhibited the potential for fulfilling the study's objectives. It is hypothesized that foam chemistry modifications, cell structure manipulation, and/or additional cure cycle process parameter management could lead to extended usage of foam in structurally demanding applications.
Predicting Travelers’ Choice of Information Sources and Information Channels
Authors: Grønflaten Øyvind
Published: March 2009

Disintermediation is often portrayed as a choice between travel agents and the Internet. This simplification ignores the facts that many Web sites marketing travel services are run by travel agents and many businesses offering travel services online also offer these services through other channels. This article considers disintermediation from an information search perspective and explores the issue both as a choice between two information sources (travel agents vs. service providers) and as a choice between two information channels (face to face vs. the Internet). Using binomial logistical regression, sets of variables are identified that seem particularly relevant for predicting the outcome of these choices. Travel style, age, and nationality were found to be particularly good predictors of travelers’ predisposition to search for information from a travel agent face to face rather than consulting a tourism service provider directly online.
The Association Between Satisfaction and Commitment Differs Across Marital Couple Types
Authors: Givertz Michelle , Segrin Chris , Hanzal Alesia
Published: March 2009

Research and theory indicate that satisfaction is a key determinant of commitment. Because some marriages are defined by a traditional ideology that anchors commitment in a value system rather than inherent rewards of the relationship, the association between satisfaction and commitment was expected to vary by couple type. Participants completed self-report measures of relational ideology, autonomy, communication, satisfaction, and several types of commitment. Results indicated that separate couples reported the lowest marital satisfaction and personal commitment of all the couple types. Separate couples also reported the lowest dedication commitment of all the couple types, whereas traditional couples reported the highest. The opposite pattern emerged for constraint commitment; separate couples reported the highest and traditional couples reported the lowest. Finally, actor—partner interdependence models revealed strong and positive associations between satisfaction and commitment for separate couples, as well as for wives in independent couples, but no such association among traditional couples.
Music listening, coping, peer affiliation and depression in adolescence
Authors: Miranda Dave , Claes Michel
Published: March 2009

This study was conducted with 418 French-Canadian adolescents from Montréal (Canada) and had three objectives: (1) to find empirical evidence that music listening in adolescence can lead to peer affiliation based upon music preferences; (2) to find out whether three styles of coping by music listening (original self-report scale: emotion-oriented, problem-oriented, and avoidance/disengagement) are related to depression levels in adolescence (French version of the Beck Depression Inventory: Bourque & Beaudette, 1982); (3) to examine whether peers' depression levels and coping by music listening are moderators of the relation between Metal music preference and depression levels in adolescent girls. The results of a peer nomination procedure indicated that music preferences and depression levels of participants are related to those of their peers. In girls, problem-oriented coping by music listening is linked to lower depression levels, whereas avoidance/disengagement coping by music listening is linked to higher depression levels. In boys, emotion-oriented coping by music listening is linked to higher depression levels. Finally, Metal music listening is related to higher depression levels in girls only if they affiliate with peers that are more depressed. The implications of the research regarding the music listening and psychosocial development and adjustment in adolescence are discussed.
Efficacy of ADHD Coaching for Adults With ADHD
Authors: Kubik Joyce A.
Published: March 2009

Objective: This is perhaps the first outcome study on the efficacy of ADHD coaching for adults with ADHD and its long-term effect. Method: Forty-five adults (30 women, 15 men) rated 22 areas of concern before and after the coaching experience. Factor analysis of the 22 areas of concern revealed five factors. Descriptive statistics and intercorrelations were analyzed on the five factors. Results: Test—retest reliabilities for each factor ranged from .44 to .61, all statistically significant at p < .01. In addition, there are many significant correlations between factors at similar times and factors at different time periods that provide preliminary research support for the efficacy of ADHD coaching. Repeated measures two-way analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of ADHD coaching alone as well as the combined effect with therapy or stimulants. Conclusions: ADHD coaching had a positive impact on the lives of people with ADHD.
A Monolithic Interdigitated PVDF Transducer for Lamb Wave Inspection
Authors: Hua Gu  , Wang Ming L.
Published: March 2009

A monolithic interdigitated PVDF transducer (PVDF IDT) was built in this study. This PVDF IDT is capable of generating and receiving Lamb waves for structural health monitoring. Unlike most existing laminate-structured interdigitated PVDF transducers, this PVDF IDT features a monolithic structure, which eliminates sensor delamination as a potential problem. The flexible nature of PVDF promises the ability for the sensor to be attached to different structural surfaces. Other advantages of this PVDF IDT include low unit cost, easy installation, low power consumption, and the ability for wireless operation or remote interrogation. The fabrication of this sensor was accomplished by using etch-back photolithography technology. The interpretation of the complex Lamb wave signals was realized by using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT).
Catheter associated urinary tract infection: what is it, what causes it and how can we prevent it?
Authors: Elvy Juliet , Colville Alaric
Published: March 2009

Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most frequently encountered health care associated infections today. Indwelling urinary catheters frequently become colonised with micro-organisms but the majority of cases will be asymptomatic. Differentiation between such colonisation and CAUTI is important for patient management, but unfortunately is not straightforward. This article discusses the diagnosis, causative microbiology and pathogenesis of CAUTI, and briefly considers complications of catheterisation and how these might be prevented.
The pathogenesis of catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Authors: Barford JMT , Coates ARM
Published: March 2009

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) remains one of the most common types of hospital-acquired infections. Further progress in the prevention of CAUTI requires a better understanding of its pathogenesis. Bacteria may enter the bladder through contamination of the tip during insertion with the flora of the distal urethra or from bacteria ascending the outside or the inside of the catheter. Residual urine in the bladder of catheterised patients increases the risk of bacteriuria. During the process of infection, bacteria need first to adhere to the epithelial cells of the urinary tract and/or the surface of the catheter. They will then develop into biofilms on the catheter surface and are resistant to the immune system and antibiotics. Catheters by themselves may cause immediate physical damage to the bladder epithelium; they may be toxic and also cause inflammation. Bacteria can also damage the epithelium and cause inflammation and the combination of both may be synergistic in producing symptoms in the patient. Most episodes of catheter-associated bacteriuria are asymptomatic but it is not known why some patients are symptomatic and others are not. Further research into the pathogenesis of CAUTI needs to be carried out. A suggestion for the prevention of CAUTI is the use of catheters with an additional eye-hole beneath the balloon to prevent residual urine in the bladder or to remove the tip and balloon altogether, with the additional benefit of having no tip to cause damage or inflammation to the bladder epithelium.
A novel method for producing target cells and assessing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in outbred hosts
Authors: Bonci Francesca , Zabogli Elisa , Conti Francesca , Merico Antonio , Freer Giulia , Bendinelli Mauro , Pistello Mauro
Published: March 2009

Background

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the immunological control of microbial infections and in the design of vaccines and immunotherapies. Measurement of cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity requires that the test antigen is presented by target cells having the same or compatible class I major hystocompatibility complex antigens as the effector cells. Conventional assays use target cells labeled with 51chromium and infer cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity by measuring the isotope released by the target cells lysed following incubation with antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This assay is sensitive but needs manipulation and disposal of hazardous radioactive reagents and provides a bulk estimate of the reporter released, which may be influenced by spontaneous release of the label and other poorly controllable variables. Here we describe a novel method for producing target in outbred hosts and assessing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity by flow cytometry.

Results

The method consists of culturing skin fibroblasts, immortalizing them with a replication defective clone of simian virus 40, and finally transducing them with a bicistronic vector encoding the target antigen and the reporter green fluorescent protein. When used in a flow cytometry-based assay, the target cells obtained with this method proved valuable for assessing the viral envelope protein specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in domestic cats acutely or chronically infected with feline immunodeficiency virus, a lentivirus similar to human immunodeficiency virus and used as animal model for AIDS studies.

Conclusion

Given the versatility of the bicistronic vector used, its ability to deliver multiple and large transgenes in target cells, and its extremely wide cell specificity when pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus envelope protein, the method is potentially exploitable in many animal species.
Polycystic Kidney Disease in Adult Brazilian Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina)
Authors: Müller D. W. H. , Szentiks C. A. , Wibbelt G.
Published: March 2009

During the last 21 years, 7 adult captive Brazilian agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) from 4 different zoologic gardens were necropsied and histologically examined at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany. All animals had polycystic kidney disease as the major pathologic change. Except in 1 case, no clinical signs were recognized prior to death. The animals had macroscopic bilateral alterations of the kidneys ranging from granulated surfaces to severe polycystic changes. Microscopic examination revealed multifocal to generalized, moderate to severe cystic dilatations of Bowman's capsules and renal tubules, moderate mesangial and capsular proliferation of the renal corpuscles, mild interstitial fibrosis, and mild to moderate interstitial lympho-plasmacytic infiltrations. Little information is known about the genetic relationships of these animals, but breeding practice indicates a high possibility of inbred agouti zoo populations in Germany. This is the first report on polycystic kidney disease in Brazilian agoutis with possible genetic background.
Epizootic Ameloblastomas in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) of the Northwestern United States
Authors: Grim K. C. , Wolfe M. J. , Edwards M. , Kaufman J. , Onjukka S. , Moran P. , Wolf J. C.
Published: March 2009

Abnormal growths were observed on the lips and in the oral cavities of 2- and 3-year-old Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) maintained in one freshwater and one saltwater captive fish-rearing facility in the Columbia River (Pacific Northwest). Initially presenting as bilaterally symmetrical, red, irregular plaques on oral mucosal surfaces, the lesions developed progressively into large, disfiguring masses. Of the 502 natural parr collected for captive broodstock, 432 (86%) displayed these tumors, whereas cohort salmon (i.e., same year classes) in these same facilities remained unaffected. Morphologically similar neoplasms were collected occasionally from adult Chinook salmon that had returned to their natal streams. Histologic features of the tumors suggested that they were derived from the portion of dental lamina destined to form tooth root sulci; therefore, these neoplasms were diagnosed as ameloblastomas. The lesions also resembled archived specimens of Chinook salmon oral tumors, which had been described decades earlier. Etiologic investigations performed during the current outbreak included bacteriologic, virologic, genetic, ultrastructural analyses, and cohabitation exposure studies. Results of these efforts did not indicate an obvious genetic basis for this syndrome, attempts to isolate potentially causative viruses or bacteria were negative, and disease transmission to naïve fish was unsuccessful. A few intracytoplasmic hexagonal structures, possibly consistent with viral particles (∼100 nm), were observed ultrastructurally in a tumor cell from 1 of 6 specimens submitted for transmission electron microscopy. Although the presence of these particles does not constitute sufficient evidence for causality, an infectious or multifactorial etiology seems plausible.
Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 DNA and E5 Oncoprotein Expression in Water Buffalo Fibropapillomas
Authors: Silvestre O. , Borzacchiello G. , Nava D. , Iovane G. , Russo V. , Vecchio D. , D'Ausilio F. , Gault E. A. , Campo M. S. , Paciello O.
Published: March 2009

Papillomas and fibropapillomas may occur in the skin and in different organs in animals. Ten different genotypes of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) have been identified. BPV-1 through BPV-10 are all strictly species-specific, but BPV-1/2 may also infect other species such as equids, inducing fibroblastic tumors. BPV-1 and BPV-2 are associated with fibropapillomas in cattle; these tumors are formed by excessive proliferation of virus-infected dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes. Nine water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) were examined for the presence of multiple cutaneous and perivulvar tumors. Cutaneous and perivulvar fibropapillomatosis were confirmed histologically. Negative-stain transmission electron microscopic examination revealed papillomavirus-like particles in the fibropapillomas, and papillomaviral DNA was also detected by the polymerase chain reaction. The amplified long control region (LCR) DNA sequence was identical to that of BPV-1. The BPV-1 E5 oncoprotein was strongly expressed in the tumor cells thus confirming a causal role of the virus. This article represents the first report of cutaneous, perivulvar, and vulvar fibropapilloma associated with BPV-1 infection in the water buffalo and describes another example of cross-species infection by BPV-1.
Mammary Tumor Phenotypes in Wild-Type Aging Female FVB/N Mice with Pituitary Prolactinomas
Authors: Radaelli E. , Arnold A. , Papanikolaou A. , Garcia-Fernandez R. A. , Mattiello S. , Scanziani E. , Cardiff R. D.
Published: March 2009

Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are common spontaneous lesions in aging FVB females. Prolactin-secreting pituitary proliferations play a significant role in mouse mammary tumorigenesis generally producing adenosquamous carcinomas. Since genetically engineered FVB mice are frequently used to study mammary tumor biology, we have examined a cohort of 64 aging wild-type FVB/N females to establish the prevalence and the nature of spontaneous mammary and pituitary tumors. Tissues from mammary and pituitary glands were studied by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Of the 64 examined mice, 20 had pituitary tumors and 20 had mammary tumors. Mammary and pituitary tumors were associated in 17 mice. All pituitary tumors were prolactin-positive by immunohistochemistry and classified as prolactinomas. Fourteen mammary tumors, including 12 cases with and 2 without concurrent prolactinomas, were adenocarcinomas with different combinations of epithelial growth patterns. Five mice with prolactinomas had mammary tumors characterized by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positivity was observed for 14 of the 18 mammary tumors tested, including both adenocarcinomas with nuclear immunoreactivity and EMT-phenotype tumors with both nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. No immunoreactivity for the progesterone receptor was observed. This study confirms that spontaneous prolactinomas and mammary tumors are both common and significantly associated lesions in FVB mice. Parity and age represented risk factors for the development of these tumors. Compared with previous reports, prolactinoma-associated mammary tumors displayed a broader morphologic spectrum, including cases with the EMT phenotype. The elevated number of prolactinoma-associated and ERα-positive mammary tumors opens intriguing possibilities concerning the role of ERα cytoplasmic localization during EMT tumorigenesis.
Purkinje Fiber Dysplasia (Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy) with Ventricular Noncompaction in a Savannah Kitten
Authors: Gelberg H. B.
Published: March 2009

In a 2-month-old female savannah kitten that died unexpectedly, the pathologic findings of significance were restricted to the heart and included abnormal Purkinje fibers and biventricular myocardial trabeculation or noncompaction. The Purkinje fibers were large, angular, and tightly packed. They contained few disorganized myofibrils among a rarified cytoplasm. The fibers were distinct from adjacent myocytes and were immunohistochemically positive for desmin, muscle actin, myoglobin, sarcomeric actin, and chromogranin A. These findings are identical to those that occur in children with histiocytoid cardiomyopathy, a fatal genetic mitochondrial disorder of Purkinje fibers. Ventricular noncompaction likely has a multifactoral cause that results from fetal arrest of ventricular organizational development that might occur in conjunction with, or independent of, histiocytoid cardiomyopathy.
Therapy monitoring of multiple sclerosis1
Authors: Deisenhammer Florian
Published: March 2009

The variety of pharmacological therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased substantially in the past couple of years with differing mechanisms of action. Reduction of clinical activity in terms of relapses is the main effect of these therapies; however, the delay of disease progression can be achieved from time to time. Owing to the rare clinical event rate with less than one relapse per year and slow progression, the clinical evaluation of therapeutic efficacy seems difficult. Therefore, laboratory supported therapy monitoring would be desirable and can from time to time be supportive of clinical decision-making. Also, most of the therapies are associated with side effects and these need to be evaluated by laboratory supported monitoring. The various possibilities and the usefulness of laboratory supported monitoring of MS therapy will be discussed in the present article.
Dynamic Encoding of Action Selection by the Medial Striatum
Authors: Kimchi Eyal Yaacov , Laubach Mark
Published: March 2009

Successful foragers respond flexibly to environmental stimuli. Behavioral flexibility depends on a number of brain areas that send convergent projections to the medial striatum, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex, and amygdala. Here, we tested the hypothesis that neurons in the medial striatum are involved in flexible action selection, by representing changes in stimulus–reward contingencies. Using a novel Go/No-go reaction-time task, we changed the reward value of individual stimuli within single experimental sessions. We simultaneously recorded neuronal activity in the medial and ventral parts of the striatum of rats. The rats modified their actions in the task after the changes in stimulus–reward contingencies. This was preceded by dynamic modulations of spike activity in the medial, but not the ventral, striatum. Our results suggest that the medial striatum biases animals to collect rewards to potentially valuable stimuli and can rapidly influence flexible behavior.
Decoupling the Cortical Power Spectrum Reveals Real-Time Representation of Individual Finger Movements in Humans
Authors: Miller K. J. , Zanos S. , Fetz E. E. , den Nijs M. , Ojemann J. G.
Published: March 2009

During active movement the electric potentials measured from the surface of the motor cortex exhibit consistent modulation, revealing two distinguishable processes in the power spectrum. At frequencies <40 Hz, narrow-band power decreases occur with movement over widely distributed cortical areas, while at higher frequencies there are spatially more focal power increases. These high-frequency changes have commonly been assumed to reflect synchronous rhythms, analogous to lower-frequency phenomena, but it has recently been proposed that they reflect a broad-band spectral change across the entire spectrum, which could be obscured by synchronous rhythms at low frequencies. In 10 human subjects performing a finger movement task, we demonstrate that a principal component type of decomposition can naively separate low-frequency narrow-band rhythms from an asynchronous, broad-spectral, change at all frequencies between 5 and 200 Hz. This broad-spectral change exhibited spatially discrete representation for individual fingers and reproduced the temporal movement trajectories of different individual fingers.
Especialização nos moldes de residência em enfermagem
Authors: Aguiar Beatriz Gerbassi Costa , Moura Vera Lúcia Freitas , Sória Denise de Assis Corrêa
Published: March 2009

Este estudo tem como objeto o enfoque dos Enfermeiros Residentes egressos do Curso de Especialização nos Moldes de Residência Enfermagem/UNIRIO. Tem como objetivos: identificar a importância das Modalidades oferecidas pelo Curso de Residência Enfermagem para a carreira profissional; verificar se o Curso influiu para o Enfermeiro Residente egresso do Curso se inserir no mercado de trabalho; identificar as Áreas de Concentração escolhida no momento da seleção para o curso pelos Enfermeiros Residentes que concluiram as cinco primeiras turmas.. O estudo foi desenvolvido junto aos Enfermeiros Residentes, egressos das cinco primeiras turmas do Curso, . Os resultados mostram que a Especialização oportuniza o profissional a se qualificar, adquirir conhecimentos específicos na área de Concentração escolhida.
Visita domiciliária: um olhar da enfermagem psiquiátrica
Authors: Labate Renata Curi , Galera Sueli Aparecida Frari , Avanci Rita de Cássia
Published: March 2009

A visita domiciliária é tema de interesse em diversas áreas da enfermagem. Em psiquiatria, com a implantação de serviços psiquiátricos na comunidade, a necessidade de realizar visita domiciliaria tornou-se evidente. Por um período de um ano estivemos envolvidos com esta atividade, solicitando-a ou realizando-a para pacientes atendidos no Núcleo de Saúde Mental. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar esta experiência, destacando os seguintes aspectos: O Espaço Público e o Privado da família e a articulação entre visitadores e os recursos da comunidade. A visita domiciliaria aproxima a equipe do contexto do doente e favorece a articulação entre o doente, sua família, o serviço de saúde e os recursos da comunidade.
Violência no trabalho em enfermagem: um novo risco ocupacional
Authors: Contrera-Moreno Luciana , Contrera-Moreno Maria Inês
Published: March 2009

Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão da literatura sobre o tema violência no trabalho em enfermagem. Os principais aspectos com relação à violência no trabalho em enfermagem encontrados na literatura foram: os tipos de violência, a prevalência da violência no ambiente de trabalho; os fatores associados ao risco, as conseqüências para os trabalhadores e prevenção destes eventos. Os trabalhadores estão expostos a variadas formas de violência, trazendo graves conseqüências à saúde, necessitando assim que outros estudos sejam desenvolvidos em relação à temática, principalmente, em nosso país.
Epidemiological profile of hepatitis C in blood donors at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center
Authors: Garcia Fernanda Bernadelli , Pereira Gilberto de Araújo , Martins Paulo Roberto Juliano , Moraes-Souza Helio
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to outline the serological profile of hepatitis C among blood donors seen at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center, Hemominas Foundation, over the last 14 years. The frequency of hepatitis C was compared between first-time and repeat donors and the epidemiological characteristics of those with positive and indeterminate ELISA anti-HCV (third and fourth generation) were analyzed based on the donor histories kept in the archives of the Uberaba Regional Blood Center. The serological ineligibility rate was 0.3%, with higher prevalence in the group of first-time donors. We did not find any significant differences regarding age, skin color, marital status or place of residence between eligible and ineligible donors; however, the frequency of positive serology was higher among men. The lower (0.3%) rate of ineligibility due to hepatitis C that was observed at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center, in relation to most Brazilian blood centers, is probably due to the large number of repeat donors (83.3%). This reinforces the importance of achieving donor commitment for increasing transfusion safety.
Choque séptico puerperal por Streptococcus β-hemolítico e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen
Authors: Araújo Stanley de Almeida , Lana Ana Maria Arruda , Garcia Paula Piedade , Godoy Pérsio
Published: March 2009

É relatado caso excepcional de puérpera de 15 anos com choque séptico pelo Streptococcus beta-hemolítico do grupo A e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen, observado à necropsia. São revistos aspectos do diagnóstico, patogênese e evolução da infecção (sepse) puerperal associada à hemorragia e insuficiência das supra-renais.