bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of parents' alcohol use and family interaction with the initiation of alcohol use by sixth graders: A preliminary study in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Chao-Chia , Yen Lee-Lan , Wu Wen-Chi
Published: June 2009

Background

The family is the main environment where children are socialized and learn individual behavior. Although previous studies have examined predictors of preadolescent first alcohol use, few studies have analyzed factors associated with alcohol use in children in a country with low alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the initiation of alcohol use by sixth graders and determine family factors associated with first alcohol use.

Methods

Data used in this study was collected as part of the Child and Adolescent Behaviors in Long-term Evolution (CABLE) project in 2002 (when study participants were in grade 5 and aged 10–11 years) and 2003 (when study participants were in grade 6 and aged 11–12 years). Data from a total of 1,183 participants was analyzed. Main study variables included children's alcohol use: (1) never user (never user in 2002 and 2003), or (2) first-time user (never user in 2002 but ever user in 2003); parents' alcohol use: (1) both parents ever users, (2) mother ever user and father never user, (3) father ever user and mother never user, (4) both parents never users; parental support; and family conflict. Correlates of first alcohol use were identified using logistic regression.

Results

There were 183 students (15.5%) who became first-time users of alcohol in the sixth grade. Having parents who both used alcohol, less parental support, and more family conflict were significant predictors of sixth graders' first alcohol use. Family interaction and parents' drinking were equally important predictors of preteen's first use of alcohol.

Conclusion

Family factors influence children's initiation of alcohol use. It is important to educate parents about the effects of alcohol on children and to emphasize the importance of prevention.
Viscoelastic properties of bovine articular cartilage attached to subchondral bone at high frequencies
Authors: Fulcher Geoffrey R , Hukins David WL , Shepherd Duncan ET
Published: June 2009

Background

Articular cartilage is a viscoelastic material, but its exact behaviour under the full range of physiological loading frequencies is unknown. The objective of this study was to measure the viscoelastic properties of bovine articular cartilage at loading frequencies of up to 92 Hz.

Methods

Intact tibial plateau cartilage, attached to subchondral bone, was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). A sinusoidally varying compressive force of between 16 N and 36 N, at frequencies from 1 Hz to 92 Hz, was applied to the cartilage surface by a flat indenter. The storage modulus, loss modulus and phase angle (between the applied force and the deformation induced) were determined.

Results

The storage modulus, E', increased with increasing frequency, but at higher frequencies it tended towards a constant value. Its dependence on frequency, f, could be represented by, E' = Alog

e
(f) + B where A = 2.5 ± 0.6 MPa and B = 50.1 ± 12.5 MPa (mean ± standard error). The values of the loss modulus (4.8 ± 1.0 MPa mean ± standard deviation) were much less than the values of storage modulus and showed no dependence on frequency. The phase angle was found to be non-zero for all frequencies tested (4.9 ± 0.6°).

Conclusion

Articular cartilage is viscoelastic throughout the full range of frequencies investigated. The behaviour has implications for mechanical damage to articular cartilage and the onset of osteoarthritis. Storage modulus increases with frequency, until the plateau region is reached, and has a higher value than loss modulus. Furthermore, loss modulus does not increase with loading frequency. This means that more energy is stored by the tissue than is dissipated and that this effect is greater at higher frequencies. The main mechanism for this excess energy to be dissipated is by the formation of cracks.
Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis of vestibular endorgans in Meniere's disease reveals basement membrane pathology
Authors: McCall Andrew A , Ishiyama Gail P , Lopez Ivan A , Bhuta Sunita , Vetter Steven , Ishiyama Akira
Published: June 2009

Background

We report the systematic analysis of the ultrastructural and cytological histopathology of vestibular endorgans acquired from labyrinthectomy in Meniere's disease.

Methods

17 subjects with intractable Meniere's disease and ipsilateral non-serviceable hearing presenting to the Neurotology Clinic from 1997 to 2006 who chose ablative labyrinthectomy (average age = 62 years; range 29–83 years) participated. The average duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 7 years (range 1–20 years).

Results

Nearly all vestibular endorgans demonstrated varying degrees of degeneration. A monolayer of epithelial cells occurred significantly more frequently in the horizontal cristae (12/13 = 92%) (p < 0.001), the superior cristae (5/5 = 100%) (p < 0.005), the posterior cristae (2/2) compared with the utricular maculae (4/17 = 24%). Basement membrane (BM) thickening was more common in all of the cristae ampullares (18 out of 20) than the utricular maculae. Although only four saccular maculae were obtained, 3 out of 4 exhibited BM thickening and monolayer degeneration. Monolayer degeneration was highly significantly correlated with the presence of BM thickening (p < 0.001). Other degenerative changes noted equally among the five vestibular endorgans which were not significantly correlated with BM thickening or monolayer degeneration included hair cell vacuolization and stereocilia loss, microvesicles in the supporting cells, and increased stromal intercellular spaces. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated disorganization of the BM collagen-like fibrils, and normal ultrastructural morphology of the nerve terminals and myelinated fibers. Stromal fibroblasts and endothelial cells of stromal blood vessels demonstrated vacuolization, and stromal perivascular BMs were also thickened.

Conclusion

Systematic histopathological analysis of the vestibular endorgans from Meniere's disease demonstrated neuroepithelial degeneration which was highly correlated with an associated BM thickening. Other findings included hair cell and supporting cell microvessicles, increased intercellular clear spaces in the stroma, and endothelial cell vacuolization and stromal perivascular BM thickening.
Gene and microRNA analysis of neutrophils from patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis: down-regulation of micro RNA-1 and -133a
Authors: Slezak Stefanie , Jin Ping , Caruccio Lorraine , Ren Jiaqiang , Bennett Michael , Zia Nausheen , Adams Sharon , Wang Ena , Ascensao Joao , Schechter Geraldine , Stroncek David
Published: June 2009

Background

Since the V617F mutation in JAK2 may not be the initiating event in myeloprofilerative disorders (MPDs) we compared molecular changes in neutrophils from patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythosis (ET), to neutrophils stimulated by G-CSF administration and to normal unstimulated neutrophils

Methods

A gene expression oligonucleotide microarray with more than 35,000 probes and a microRNA (miR) expression array with 827 probes were used to assess neutrophils from 6 MPD patients; 4 with PV and 2 with ET, 5 healthy subjects and 6 healthy subjects given G-CSF. In addition, neutrophil antigen expression was analyzed by flow cytometry and 64 serum protein levels were analyzed by ELISA.

Results

Gene expression profiles of neutrophils from the MPD patients were similar but distinct from those of healthy subjects, either unstimulated or G-CSF-mobilized. The differentially expressed genes in MPD neutrophils were more likely to be in pathways involved with inflammation while those of G-CSF-mobilized neutrophils were more likely to belong to metabolic pathways. In MPD neutrophils the expression of CCR1 was increased and that of several NF-κB pathway genes were decreased. MicroRNA miR-133a and miR-1 in MPD neutrophils were down-regulated the most. Levels of 11 serum proteins were increased in MPD patients including MMP-10, MMP-13, VCAM, P-selectin, PDGF-BB and a CCR1 ligand, MIP-1α.

Conclusion

These studies showed differential expression of genes particularly involved in inflammatory pathways including the NF-κB pathway and down-regulation of miR-133a and miR-1. These two microRNAs have been previous associated with certain cancers as well as the regulation of hyperthrophy of cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. These changes may contribute to the clinical manifestations of the MPDs.
Isolation and culture of fibroblasts from endoscopic duodenal biopsies of celiac patients
Authors: Roncoroni Leda , Elli Luca , Doneda Luisa , Piodi Luca , Ciulla Michele M , Paliotti Roberta , Bardella Maria Teresa
Published: June 2009

Background

Fibroblasts are actually considered pivotal in inflammation and tissue remodelling process and for these reasons they are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease. Investigations to define the role of fibroblasts in celiac diseases are obstructed by the absence of specific models. Our objective is to isolate and culture primary fibroblasts from endoscopic duodenal biopsies of celiac and non-celiac subjects, to analyze their growth patterns and the morphometric characteristics.

Methods

60 duodenal bioptic specimens from 20 celiac patients and 114 from 38 non-celiac subjects were mechanically chopped and enzymatically digested in order to obtain primary cell cultures. Growth patterns, karyotype (Q-banding analysis), expression of typing proteins (fibroblast surface protein and cytokeratin 20) and morphometric parameters (diameters and their ratio, perimeter, area and perimeter/area ratio at computerised image analysis) were investigated on cultured cells.

Results

Primary cells were successfully cultured in 78% of the collected duodenal biopsies. Cultured cells, expressing the fibroblast surface protein, were negative for cytokeratine 20 and maintained a normal kariotype. Cells grew slowly without differences between the celiac and the non celiac group. Morphometric analysis of celiac fibroblasts revealed significantly increased dimensions, with a preserved diameters ratio, and a reduced perimeter/area ratio.

Conclusion

For the first time this study demonstrates the feasibility of culturing primary fibroblast cell from endoscopic duodenal biopsies in celiac and non-celiac subjects, opening a new window of opportunity in studies intended to establish the role of fibroblasts as a possible partaker in the pathogenesis of the celiac mucosal damage.
Intracellular interactions between APOBEC3G, RNA, and HIV-1 Gag: APOBEC3G multimerization is dependent on its association with RNA
Authors: Friew Yeshitila N , Boyko Vitaly , Hu Wei-Shau , Pathak Vinay K
Published: June 2009

Background

Host restriction factor APOBEC3G (A3G) blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by G-to-A hypermutation, and by inhibiting DNA synthesis and provirus formation. Previous reports have suggested that A3G is a dimer and its virion incorporation is mediated through interactions with viral or nonviral RNAs and/or HIV-1 Gag. We have now employed a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay (BiFC) to analyze the intracellular A3G-A3G, A3G-RNA, and A3G-Gag interactions in living cells by reconstitution of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) from its N- or C-terminal fragments.

Results

The results obtained with catalytic domain 1 and 2 (CD1 and CD2) mutants indicate that A3G-A3G and A3G-Gag multimerization is dependent on an intact CD1 domain, which is required for RNA binding. A mutant HIV-1 Gag that exhibits reduced RNA binding also failed to reconstitute BiFC with wild-type A3G, indicating a requirement for both HIV-1 Gag and A3G to bind to RNA for their multimerization. Addition of a non-specific RNA binding peptide (P22) to the N-terminus of a CD1 mutant of A3G restored BiFC and virion incorporation, but failed to inhibit viral replication, indicating that the mutations in CD1 resulted in additional defects that interfere with A3G's antiviral activity.

Conclusion

These studies establish a robust BiFC assay for analysis of intracellular interactions of A3G with other macromolecules. The results indicate that in vivo A3G is a monomer that forms multimers upon binding to RNA. In addition, we observed weak interactions between wild-type A3G molecules and RNA binding-defective mutants of A3G, which could explain previously described protein-protein interactions between purified A3G molecules.
Development of TaqMan® MGB fluorescent real-time PCR assay for the detection of anatid herpesvirus 1
Authors: Guo Yufei , Cheng Anchun , Wang Mingshu , Shen Chanjuan , Jia Renyong , Chen Shun , Zhang Na
Published: June 2009

Background

Anatid herpesvirus 1 (AHV-1) is an alphaherpesvirus associated with latent infection and mortality in ducks and geese and is currently affecting the world-wide waterfowl production severely. Here we describe a fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (FQ-PCR) method developed for fast measurement of AHV-1 DNA based on TaqMan MGB technology.

Results

The detection limit of the assay was 1 × 101 standard DNA copies, with a sensitivity of 2 logs higher than that of the conventional gel-based PCR assay targeting the same gene. The real-time PCR was reproducible, as shown by satisfactory low intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation.

Conclusion

The high sensitivity, specificity, simplicity and reproducibility of the AHV-1 fluorogenic PCR assay, combined with its wide dynamic range and high throughput, make this method suitable for a broad spectrum of AHV-1 etiologically related application.
Reactive oxygen species regulate urokinase plasminogen activator expression and cell invasion via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways after treatment with hepatocyte growth factor in stomach cancer cells
Authors: Lee Kyung Hee , Kim Sang Woon , Kim Jae-Ryong
Published: June 2009

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely associated with the intracellular signal cascade, thus strongly implicating involvement in tumor progression. However, the mechanism by which ROS are generated and how ROS target downstream molecules to trigger tumor metastasis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the underlying signal pathways in ROS-induced urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) expression in the human gastric cancer cells, NUGC-3 and MKN-28.

Methods and Results

Intracellular ROS, as determined using the fluorescent probe, 2'-7' dichlorofluorescein diacetate, decreased after treatment with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We confirmed that Rac-1 regulated ROS production after activation of the AKT pathway with HGF. Exogenously added H2O2 promoted the expression of HGF, but not in a dose-dependent manner and also showed negative expression of HGF after co-treatment with H2O2 and HGF. Treatment with NAC, an intracellular free radical scavenger, decreased the enhancement of uPA production and tumor invasion in both cells. We clarified the downstream pathways regulated by ROS after treatment with H2O2, which showed negative control between FRK and p38 kinase activities for uPA regulation.

Conclusion

HGF regulates Rac-1-induced ROS production through the Akt pathway and ROS regulates uPA production and invasion via MAP kinase, which provides novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the progression of gastric cancer.
Expression of 5-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase in rheumatoid arthritis synovium and effects of intraarticular glucocorticoids
Authors: Gheorghe Karina Roxana , Korotkova Marina , Catrina Anca Irinel , Backman Linda , af Klint Erik , Claesson Hans-Erik , Rådmark Olof , Jakobsson Per-Johan
Published: June 2009

Introduction

It was previously shown that lipoxygenase (LO) pathways are important in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammatory process and that synovial fluid from RA patients contains high amounts of leukotrienes. We therefore aimed to investigate the 5-LO and 15-LO-1 expression pattern in RA and ostheoarthritis (OA) synovial tissue and to study the effect of intraarticular glucocorticoid (GC) therapy on enzyme expression.

Methods

Expression of LOs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in RA and OA synovial biopsies. Cellular localization of these enzymes was analyzed by double immunofluorescence. In synovial biopsies from 11 RA patients, 5-LO and 15-LO-1 expression was evaluated before and after triamcinolone hexacetonide knee injection and assessed by image analysis to quantify their expression. We also investigated the presence of 15-LO-1 by immunohistochemistry in synovial fluid (SF) cells as well as their ability to form 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) following treatment with arachidonic acid (AA).

Results

5-LO and 15-LO-1 are present in RA and OA synovium, with 5-LO being mostly expressed in lining and sublining macrophages, neutrophils and mast cells and 15-LO-1 mainly in lining macrophages, fibroblasts and sublining endothelial cells. Intraarticular GC treatment resulted in a significant suppression of 5-LO expression, but did not influence the 15-LO-1 enzyme significantly. Also, SF cells express a functional 15-LO-1 and produce 15-HETE when challenged with AA.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that local therapy with GC decreases 5-LO expression in RA synovium and offer an additional possible mechanism for the efficiency of intraarticular adjuvant therapy in RA.
Randomized controlled trial of a new electrical modality (InterX) and soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise for treating lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Coff Lorien , Massy-Westropp Nicola , Caragianis Suzanne
Published: June 2009

Background

The primary symptom reported by patients with lateral epicondylitis is pain. The InterX is a newly developed electrical device aimed at reducing pain by transmitting a varying electrical impulse into the surface of the skin via a portable, hand held applicator. This study investigates whether the InterX could provide additional acute pain relief and function for patients with acute lateral epicondylitis, to that of soft tissue massage, stretching ultrasound and exercise.

Methods

Twenty-six patients were randomized to two groups. The experimental group received InterX in conjunction with soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise, whereas the control group received soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise.

Results

In the short term, both regimes resulted in significantly reduced pain and improved functional ability ( P < 0.01). The control therapy also resulted in significantly improved grip strength.

Discussion

There was no significant difference in the improvements between groups in pain, difficulty with functional activities, although both groups' pain decreased significantly in the short (3 weeks) and medium (9 months) term. The experimental group received 30 minutes' greater treatment duration per week.

Conclusions

The provision of the InterX in addition to soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise did not affect patients' outcome.
Role of botulinum toxin in hand and upper limb disorders relevant to hand therapy
Authors: Keir James , Giele Henk P
Published: June 2009

Introduction

This article reviews the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin and provides an overview of its use in hand disorders relevant to hand therapy such as hyperhidrosis, spasticity, dystonia, tremor, Parkinson's, obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, flexor tendon rehabilitation, lateral epicondylitis, Raynaud's and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature retrieved through electronic databases using keywords botulinum toxin, hand, therapy, and reviewing the bibliographic references cited.

Results

Sixty-five original articles and meta-analyses were reviewed. The number and quality of the published reports for each disorder are very variable but generally botulinum toxin is reported to be an effective adjunct to therapy in the treatment of a wide variety of hand and upper limb pathologies.

Discussion

A surprising number of hand and upper limb conditions have been successively treated with botulinum toxin, but most require botulinum toxin to be used in conjunction with hand therapy to achieve more effective outcomes for longer duration. Neuromuscular disorders seem to be most responsive to botulinum toxin treatment. Therapists should be aware of the potential benefits of botulinum toxin injections for a wide range of hand disorders and when appropriate discuss these with patients and other health professionals.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin has an effective and growing role in hand therapy.
The Impact of Oligopolistic Competition in Networks
Authors: Cominetti Roberto , Correa José R. , Stier-Moses Nicolás E.
Published: June 2009

In the traffic assignment problem, first proposed by Wardrop in 1952, commuters select the shortest available path to travel from their origins to their destinations. We study a generalization of this problem in which competitors, who may control a nonnegligible fraction of the total flow, ship goods across a network. This type of games, usually referred to as atomic games, readily applies to situations in which the competing freight companies have market power. Other applications include intelligent transportation systems, competition among telecommunication network service providers, and scheduling with flexible machines.

Our goal is to determine to what extent these systems can benefit from some form of coordination or regulation. We measure the quality of the outcome of the game without centralized control by computing the worst-case inefficiency of Nash equilibria. The main conclusion is that although self-interested competitors will not achieve a fully efficient solution from the system's point of view, the loss is not too severe. We show how to compute several bounds for the worst-case inefficiency that depend on the characteristics of cost functions and on the market structure in the game. In addition, building upon the work of Catoni and Pallotino, we show examples in which market aggregation (or collusion) adversely impacts the aggregated competitors, even though their market power increases. For example, Nash equilibria of atomic network games may be less efficient than the corresponding Wardrop equilibria. When competitors are completely symmetric, we provide a characterization of the Nash equilibrium using a potential function, and prove that this counterintuitive phenomenon does not arise. Finally, we study a pricing mechanism that elicits more coordination from the players by reducing the worst-case inefficiency of Nash equilibria.
Stochastic Scheduling Subject to Preemptive-Repeat Breakdowns with Incomplete Information
Authors: Cai Xiaoqiang , Wu Xianyi , Zhou Xian
Published: June 2009

This paper considers the problem of scheduling a set of jobs on a single machine subject to stochastic breakdowns with incomplete information on the probability distributions involved in the decision process. We focus on the preemptive-repeat discipline, under which a machine breakdown leads to the loss of the work done on the job being processed. The breakdown process of the machine is allowed to depend on the job it is processing. The processing times required to complete the jobs, and the machine uptimes and downtimes, are random variables with incomplete information on their probability distributions characterized by unknown parameters. We establish the preemptive-repeat model with incomplete information and investigate its probabilistic characteristics. We show that optimal static policies can be obtained for a wide range of performance measures, which are determined by the prior distributions of the unknown parameters. We derive optimal dynamic policies via Gittins indices represented by the posterior distributions, which are updated adaptively based on processing histories. Under appropriate conditions, the optimal dynamic policies can be calculated by one-step reward rates in a closed form. As a by-product, we also show that our incomplete information model subsumes the traditional preemptive-repeat models with complete information as extreme cases.
Improving outcomes guidance for urological cancer
Authors: McLoughlin J , Emurla M , Neal DE
Published: June 2009

When the guidance on improving outcomes for urological cancers and subsequent service manual were published, the former West Anglian Cancer Network (WACN) began working towards implementing its recommendations for local multidisciplinary teamworking (LMDT) and specialist multidisciplinary teamworking (SMDT). With support from the then medical director of the network and from the network management team and with input from independent public health consultants, a careful reconfiguration of services and a systematic reappraisal of how patients with urological malignancy proceed through such a system were begun.
My CPD
Authors: Mitchell Laura
Published: June 2009

No doubt you will be aware that the General Dental Council (GDC) requires all registrants to complete certain requirements towards continuing professional development (CPD) over a five-year cycle. All dental registrants have to complete a minimum of 250 hours of non-verifiable CPD. A minimum of 75 hours of this total needs to be verifiable. In addition, the GDC has laid down guidelines on recommended core subjects, which include medical emergencies (ten hours per five-year cycle), disinfection and decontamination (five hours per cycle), radiography and radiology (five hours per cycle). In addition, a proportion of our fellows are also registered with the General Medical Council.
The Whitehall experience: working as a clinical advisor within the Department of Health
Authors: Warren Oliver
Published: June 2009

I am a first-year general surgery registrar in North West Thames. In February 2008 I completed a two-year MD at Imperial College London. Prior to returning to full-time clinical work, Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham offered me the opportunity to be seconded to the Department of Health (DH) for eight months, to be his clinical advisor. With his guidance and support, I spent eight fascinating months working in policy and strategy at a national level, while continuing to work one night in six as a resident on-call surgical registrar.
FDS annual meeting of specialty and regional advisors
Authors: Saravanamuttu Ravi
Published: June 2009

On 20 March 2009, 65 faculty advisors together with members of the Board of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) came together for a yearly meeting. The dean of the Faculty, Professor Derrick Willmot, welcomed those attending and chaired the morning session.
Putting orthodontics into practice
Authors: Hook Melanie
Published: June 2009

In some parts of the UK, there continues to be a lack of available specialist orthodontic treatment provision, with some general dental practitioners carrying out a significant amount of orthodontic treatment. There was a need to establish an educational opportunity for general dental practitioners with an interest in orthodontics, which would lead to a diploma. The diploma in primary care orthodontics provides this opportunity and has established clear standards of orthodontic patient care for primary care practitioners with a special interest in orthodontics. Demand for the course leading to the diploma in primary care orthodontics has continued to grow, with the cohort for the October 2009 intake almost completely fulfilled a month ahead of the application deadline.
Museum makeover promotes surgical education
Authors: Cooke Martyn
Published: June 2009

Surgical trainees who may soon be sitting their examinations will be interested to know of a number of changes and phased improvements taking place in the Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, which will make the collection more relevant to surgical education. In February 2008 the first series of core surgical anatomy tutorials began. The College museum has proved to be both an eminently suitable tutorial venue and an invaluable study collection of anatomical and pathological specimens.
Battering against a brick wall
Authors: Black John
Published: June 2009

There has been some confusion recently about the doings of the European Parliament with regard to the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). Some reports in the press suggested that an opt-out had been achieved. In fact, all that happened was that after considerable wrangling an attempt by the socialist bloc to phase out the right of individuals to opt out was not so much defeated as talked out.
College research fellow awarded Wellcome Trust funding
Authors: Towell Elaine
Published: June 2009

This year, US surgeons made huge advances in the transplant world by carrying out the country's first face transplant and first double hand transplant. Although successful life-saving organ transplant operations, including heart, lung and liver, are now commonplace and only limited by the number of donors available, the number of 'non-life-saving' transplants remains relatively low, with around 40 hand transplants having been carried out worldwide.
Risk of Fall for Individuals With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Chiba Yoichi , Shimada Atsuyoshi , Yoshida Futoshi , Keino Hiromi , Hasegawa Mariko , Ikari Hiroyuki , Miyake Shikako , Hosokawa Masanori
Published: June 2009

Our aim was to identify risk factors for falling and establish a method to assess risk for falls in adults with intellectual disabilities. In a cross-sectional survey of 144 Japanese adults, we found that age, presence of epilepsy, and presence of paretic conditions were independent risk factors. The Tinetti balance and gait instrument was successfully administered to this population and resulted in high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 91.9%) for identifying individuals at risk when the cutoff score was set at 25. Participants whose balance and gait deteriorated showed a decrease in the Tinetti score of at least 2 points per year. Thus, the Tinetti instrument may be an effective tool to detect an increased risk of fall in this population.
Mother–Child Play: Children With Down Syndrome and Typical Development
Authors: Venuti P. , de Falco S. , Esposito G. , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: June 2009

Child solitary and collaborative mother–child play with 21 children with Down syndrome and 33 mental-age-matched typically developing children were compared. In solitary play, children with Down syndrome showed less exploratory but similar symbolic play compared to typically developing children. From solitary to collaborative play, children with Down syndrome increased their exploratory play, attaining the same level as typically developing children. Pretense significantly increased from solitary to collaborative play only in typically developing children. Differences between mothers' play in the two groups mirrored those between their children. Both groups showed similar attunement and synchrony. Mothers contribute to the play development of children with Down syndrome through their own adaptation to their children's limitations and potentialities.
La guerra civil de las letras: religión, panfletarios y lucha política (49–44 a. C.)
Authors: Rosillo López Cristina
Published: June 2009

Este artículo se ocupa de la cuestión de la propaganda religiosa durante la guerra civil (49–45 a. C.). Dos partidarios, A. Cecina y Nigidio Fígulo, no se beneficiaron de la clementia de César. El artículo demuestra que la ausencia de perdón se debió a sus predicciones en contra de César, ya que ambos eran arúspices de prestigio. César no podía perdonar que el futuro hubiera sido interpretado por sus enemigos. En el momento de la creación de un nuevo régimen, la legitimación religiosa tenía que ser controlada.
Livio, Polión y la patavinitas. El relato historiográfico.
Authors: Muñiz Coello J.
Published: June 2009

Quintiliano recoge un comentario de C. Asinio Polión, uno de los personajes más influyentes de la Roma de Augusto, sobre la obra que un paduano, Tito Livio, venía elaborando desde hacía años sobre la historia de la Ciudad desde sus orígenes. Polión, cónsul, gran orador, autor de tragedias, jurista e historiador, era conocido por su genial capacidad para crear nuevos términos, y no desaprovecho la ocasión cuando le preguntaron sobre Livio. Su obra adolecía de patavinitas, término que Quintiliano analiza desde su condición de maestro del discurso y del lenguaje, aspectos que igualmente han encasillado en cierto modo el modelo actual de investigación sobre este asunto. Nosotros creemos que el término puede ser entendido mejor desde un enfoque más amplio, que aborde los problemas sociales y políticos de la Italia de aquel tiempo.
Uso del passato nella declamazione 4 di Coricio di Gaza, „Milziade“ (XVII = decl. 4 F.-R.)
Authors: Lupi Simona
Published: June 2009

Riassunto

Il „Milziade“ di Coricio di Gaza offre un interessante esempio dell′utilizzo della storia greca nelle declamazioni (meletai). La melete è una difesa dello stratega ateniese dalle accuse di Santippo dopo l′infruttuosa spedizione di Paro. Coricio si rifà ai capitoli 132–136 del libro sesto delle „Storie“ di Erodoto, tuttavia modificando la storia: nonostante il racconto erodoteo informi che durante il processo furono gli amici a difendere lo stratega, il retore di Gaza immagina le parole che Milziade avrebbe personalmente pronunciato in sua difesa, e sceglie di rimaneggiare alcuni particolari della vicenda di Paro, che, se ricordati come compaiono nelle „Storie“, avrebbero nuociuto all′immagine dello stratega. All′apologia la declamazione unisce l′encomio, promosso attraverso il ricordo di Maratona. La descrizione della gloriosa vittoria di Milziade ricorre ai topoi che contraddistinguono tutti i Schlachtenmythen e autorizza un′interpretazione della declamazione attenta al significato che il mito di Maratona può aver avuto nel contesto storico-culturale vissuto da Coricio e dal suo pubblico. Nell′epoca delle guerre persiane di Giustiniano, Milziade sarebbe figura paradigmatica di uno stratega vincente sui Barbari e la battaglia di Maratona un ‚ieu de mémoire‘ al quale ritornare per trovare lo slancio con cui affrontare il nemico esterno.
Constantinus rerum novator: dal comitatus dioclezianeo ai palatini di Valentiniano I — Corrigendum (Klio 90/1, 2008)
Authors: Colombo Maurizio
Published: June 2009

Auf Grund redaktioneller Probleme wurden einige Korrekturwünsche des Autors nicht umgesetzt. Wir bitten dies zu entschuldigen.
Films of the year, 2008
Authors: Naremore James
Published: June 2009

Prefaced by remarks about methodology, the article presents the author's selection of the best films released in the U.S., 2008 (including one archival reissue). The top three are all city films: Jia Zhang-ke's 24 City, Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg, and Terence Davies's Of Time and the City.
Standard Operating Procedure: Mediating Torture
Authors: Benson-Allott Caetlin
Published: June 2009

Errol Morris's Standard Operating Procedure offers the U.S. soldiers accused of detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib military prison in Iraq a forum in which to give accounts of their infamous photographs. However, the vexing digitality of those images foregrounds the role of interpretation in the construction of visual evidence.
Digital Fatigue: Imaging War in Recent American Film
Authors: Stewart Garrett
Published: June 2009

The new wired combat in Iraq, alternating in American films between aerial surveillance and camcorder logs or cell-phone video, tends to displace the failed resolutions of plot onto an electronic mediation that not only turns virtual on the spot, but anticipates the post-traumatic flashback as digital playback.
“Un Film Vampirisé”: Dreyer's Vampyr
Authors: Swaab Peter
Published: June 2009

Two restored DVD editions of Carl Theodor Dreyer's Vampyr (1932), show at last how the director constructed its mysterious and menacing narrative, replete (as Swaab argues) with themes of parental violence and sexual transgression.
Film Culture in Madrid
Authors: Smith Paul Julian
Published: June 2009

With talk of a crisis of Spanish cinema, Paul Julian Smith reports from Madrid, spring 2009, and discusses: the Goya awards (best film won by Javier Fesser's Camino), the struggling but lively theatrical exhibition, burgeoning TV production, education facilities, the eminent presence of Almodóvar, and the Ocho y Medio bookshop.
Seasonality, estrous cycle characterization, estrus synchronization, semen cryopreservation, and artificial insemination in the Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens)
Authors: Robeck T R , Steinman K J , Greenwell M , Ramirez K , Van Bonn W , Yoshioka M , Katsumata E , Dalton L , Osborn S , O'Brien J K
Published: June 2009

The reproductive physiology of the Pacific white-sided dolphin,Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, was characterized to facilitate the development of artificial insemination (AI) using cryopreserved spermatozoa. Specific objectives were to: 1) describe reproductive seasonality of the Pacific white sided dolphins; 2) describe urinary LH and ovarian steroid metabolites during the estrous cycle; 3) correlate LH and ovarian steroidal metabolite patterns to ultrasound-monitored follicular growth and ovulation; and 4) assess the efficacy of synchronizing estrus, sperm collection/cryopreservation, and intrauterine insemination. Ovulations (64%,n=37) and conceptions (83%,n=18) occurred from August to October. Peak mean serum testosterone (24 ng/ml), cross-sectional testicular area (41.6 cm2), and sperm concentration (144.3×107 sperm/ml) occurred in July, August, and September respectively. Spermatozoa were only found in ejaculates from July to October. Estrous cycles (n=22) were 31 d long and were comprised of a 10 d follicular and 21 d luteal phase. Ovulation occurred 31.2 h after the onset of the LH surge and 19.3 h after the LH peak. Follicular diameter and circumference within 12 h of ovulation were 1.52 and 4.66 cm respectively. Estrus synchronization attempts with altrenogest resulted in 17 (22%) ovulatory cycles with ovulation occurring 21 d post-altrenogest. Ten AI attempts using cryopreserved semen resulted in five pregnancies (50%). The mean gestation length was 356 days (range 348–367). These data provide new information on the Pacific white-sided dolphin's reproductive physiology and collectively enabled the first application of AI in this species.
The production of mature oocytes from adult ovaries following primary follicle culture in a marsupial
Authors: Nation A , Selwood L
Published: June 2009

A model marsupial culture system has been developed whereby individual primary follicles, obtained from adult ovaries, can be grown in vitro to the antral stage and oocytes retrieved from these follicles can achieve nuclear maturation (metaphase II) in the presence of LH. Primary follicles isolated from adult Sminthopsis macroura ovaries were cultured individually in one of four systems: microdrops under oil, upright, inverted, or roller culture. After 6 days of culture, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were excised from early antral follicles and incubated for an additional 24 h to assess meiotic competence and the effects of LH and lithium on oocyte maturation. Histology and transmission electron microscopy established normal in vivo standards and verified oocyte and follicular integrity following culture. On day 6 of culture, follicle viability was significantly greater in the inverted system (73%) than in the other three systems (10–46%). The inverted system was the most effective in supporting development with follicles demonstrating progressive growth during culture and showing antral signs by day 4. Meiotic resumption during COC culture was facilitated by LH, but hindered by lithium. The ability to resume meiosis and progress to metaphase II was equivalent in oocytes retrieved following follicle culture and those matured in vivo. This study highlights the importance of oxygen and nutrient availability during marsupial follicle culture, and demonstrates for the first time that primary follicles isolated from adult mammalian ovaries can undergo normal growth and development in vitro, to produce mature, meiotically competent oocytes.
Arsenic inhibits in vitro spermatogenesis and induces germ cell apoptosis in Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Celino Fritzie T , Yamaguchi Sonoko , Miura Chiemi , Miura Takeshi
Published: June 2009

The precise mechanism and direct effects of arsenic on fish, particularly in reproduction, are not well clarified. The aim of this study is to investigate the direct influence of arsenic on fish spermatogenesis using the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)in vitrotesticular organ culture system. Eel testicular fragments were culturedin vitrowith 0.1–100 μM arsenic with or without human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 6 or 15 days at 20 °C. Arsenic treatment provoked a dose-dependent inhibition of hCG-induced germ cell proliferation as revealed by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine immunohistochemistry. Time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay showed that arsenic suppressed hCG-induced synthesis of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in testicular fragments incubated with 0.0001–100 μM arsenic and hCG for 18 h. A 0.1 μM (7 μg/l) dose of arsenic which is lower than the World Health Organization drinking water quality guideline of 10 μg/l most effectively reduced 11-KT production. The hCG-induced synthesis of progesterone from pregnenolone was significantly inhibited by low doses of arsenic (0.1–1 μM), implying an inhibition of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.In situTUNEL assays indicated that germ cells undergo apoptosis at the highest dose of arsenic (100 μM). An arsenic concentration-dependent increase in oxidative DNA damage was detected by 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunohistochemistry. A peak in 8-OHdG index was observed in testicular fragments treated with 100 μM arsenic and hCG consistent with the TUNEL results. These data suggest that low doses of arsenic may inhibit spermatogenesis via steroidogenesis suppression, while high doses of arsenic induce oxidative stress-mediated germ cell apoptosis.
Realized Heritability and Genetic Gain Estimates of Larval Shell Length in the Chinese Pearl Oyster Pinctada martensii at Three Different Salinities
Authors: Deng Yuewen , Fu Shao , Du Xiaodong , Wang Qingheng
Published: June 2009

The second-generation selected (SS) and control (SC) lines of the Chinese pearl oyster Pinctada martensii were established by selecting the 10% of breeders with the largest and mean sizes, respectively, from the first-generation selected group. Larval offspring of the SS and SC lines were reared at 30, 24, and 18‰. Heritability and genetic gains of larval shell length were estimated on the basis of data measured at days 8, 14, and 21. At days 8 and 14, there were no significant differences in mean shell length between the SS and SC lines at 30, 24, and 18‰ (P > 0.05). On day 21, however, the SS line displayed significantly larger mean shell length than the SC line at 30‰ and 24‰ (P < 0.05). Heritability estimates and genetic gains for larval shell length ranged from 0.22 to 0.64 and from 3.68% to 14.93%, respectively. The results from this study indicate that considerable genetic variability exists in the base population and that mass selection for the second generation is still effective.
Variable Effects of Biological and Environmental Processes on Coho Salmon Marine Survival in Southeast Alaska
Authors: Malick Michael J. , Adkison Milo D. , Wertheimer Alex C.
Published: June 2009

Correlation analyses, linear regression models, and multistock mixed effects models were used to examine the relationships between coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch marine survival and six biological and environmental covariates across 14 southeast Alaska (SEAK) stocks. A primary focus of the study was to investigate the influence of pink salmon O. gorbuscha and chum salmon O. keta fry abundances on coho salmon marine survival. The coho salmon stocks exhibited strong covariation; 88 of the 91 pairwise comparisons among the coho salmon stocks covaried positively and 54 of them were significant (P < 0.05). Only one of the covariates, the North Pacific index, which is a measure of the Aleutian low pressure zone, had consistent relationships (positive) across all 14 stocks. The other covariates, including freshwater discharge, the Pacific decadal oscillation, sea‐surface temperature, and two indices of pink salmon and chum salmon fry abundances, all had inconsistent relationships with marine survival. The best‐fit linear regression models varied greatly among the 14 stocks, as did the R2 values, which ranged from 0.00 to 0.54. An index representing local hatchery pink salmon and chum salmon fry abundance was the most important variable in explaining the variation in marine survival, having a stronger estimated effect on survival than an index of local wild pink salmon fry abundance. The magnitude and sign of the hatchery pink salmon and chum salmon effect varied greatly among different localities. Our results suggest that (1) SEAK coho salmon stocks are not equally influenced by the same factors and (2) there are factors that appear to affect marine survival of SEAK coho salmon stocks at varying spatial scales. This study also provides evidence that coho salmon stocks throughout SEAK experience some degree of regional concordance in the marine environment but also that local stock‐specific conditions are important in fully understanding variation in marine survival.
Life History of American Eels from Western Newfoundland
Authors: Jessop B. M. , Shiao J. C. , Iizuka Y.
Published: June 2009

Biological data are limited for American eelsAnguilla rostratafrom the northern portion of the species' geographic range. The biological characteristics of American eels from two sites in western Newfoundland varied by sex, maturation stage, and habitat. Female and male sexually mature (silver) eels from the Castors River were comparable in length range with eels reported from other Newfoundland sites. Female silver eels from the Castors River began their spawning migration at a lower developmental stage for the gonadosomatic index, eye index, and pectoral fin length index than did eels from more southerly sites in eastern Canada and the United States. Annual growth rate declined with increasing age (r= −0.93,P< 0.001). The growth rate at a given age was higher for eels from Muddy Hole (an estuarine habitat at the mouth of Flat Bay Brook) than for those from the Castors River (a freshwater habitat) primarily because growth rate decreased with an increasing proportion of residence in freshwater (r= −0.74,P< 0.001). Most eels (64‐72%) from both sites had a history of occasional migration between and residence of variable duration in both freshwater and saline water, as determined from otolith strontium: Calcium analysis. The mean growth rate of eels that had resided primarily in estuarine waters was 3.2 times greater than the growth of eels that had resided only in freshwater. Additional studies are required to clarify the life history and distributional relations of northern populations of American eels.