bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability of RXRB, PPARA, and PPARG in Wegener′s Granulomatosis
Authors: Wieczorek Stefan , Knaup Silvia , Gross Wolfgang L. , Epplen Jörg T.
Published: February 2009

A major genomic region involved in Wegener′s granulomatosis includes the gene for retinoid receptor beta (RXRB) which forms heterodimers with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs). It is unclear whether this association directly arises from the RXRB allele(s) or via a linked variation.
In order to reveal any hitherto unknown and potentially disease‐relevant variation of the RXRB gene, we have genotyped four tagging SNPs of this genomic region and have directly sequenced selected WG patients and controls representing disease‐associated haplotypes. Additionally, we have genotyped 2 SNPs each in the genes for PPARα and PPARγ (PPARA and PPARG). Hence, we confirmed the strong association of the RXRB locus with WG but could not reveal any novel variation in RXRB. None of the PPARA and PPARG SNPs showed association with WG. Moreover, no epistatic effect was seen between RXRB and PPARA/PPARG alleles.
These results do not support an etiopathological role of PPAR in WG. Analyses of further genes functionally linked to RXRB may provide additional data useful to evaluate the RXRB association found in WG.
The Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Becherucci Francesca , Mazzinghi Benedetta , Ronconi Elisa , Peired Anna , Lazzeri Elena , Sagrinati Costanza , Romagnani Paola , Lasagni Laura
Published: February 2009

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a sudden impairment of kidney function, which results in the retention of urea and other nitrogenous waste products and in the perturbation of extracellular fluid volume as well as electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. The dysfunction and apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells are of key importance for the pathophysiological consequences of AKI. However, a growing body of evidence supports the contribution of altered renal vascular structure and function in potentially initiating and extending the initial tubular injury. Vascular injury and dysfunction result in alterations of renal oxygenation and hemodynamics that may have long-term effects in regards to renal function, predisposing to chronic kidney disease. There is growing evidence that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may improve vascular regeneration in different ischemic organs, and recent data suggest that EPCs are mobilized after acute renal ischemia and recruited in ischemic kidney areas and can ameliorate AKI through both paracrine effects and repair of injured microvasculature. The loss of endothelial cell function may represent an important therapeutic target, in which EPCs may show potential importance in ameliorating the acute and chronic effects of ischemic AKI.
Fissured Fibrous Cap of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques and Symptomaticity: Are They Correlated? Preliminary Results by Using Multi-Detector-Row CT Angiography
Authors: Saba L. , Mallarini G.
Published: February 2009

Purpose: Carotid artery plaque with a disrupted fibrous cap is characterized by a higher tendency to rupture, resulting in a higher rate of transitory ischemic attack and stroke. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether there is a statistically significant correlation between the presence of fissured fibrous cap (FFC) (assessed by using multi-detector-row CT angiography (MDCTA)) and ipsilateral symptomaticity. Material and Methods: 147 patients (105 males, 42 females; mean age 63 years, range 37–84) with a stenosis of at least 50% or a plaque alteration at sonography were retrospectively studied, yielding a total of 294 carotid arteries, by using a multi-detector-row CT (MDCT) scanner. A search for detection of FFC and a correlation with previously registered data about patients’ symptomaticity by using statistical assessment were performed. Each examination was assessed independently by two readers and interobserver agreement was calculated. Results: Among the 147 patients included in the study group, 15 were excluded because of inadequate quality images. In the 132 remaining patients, for a total of 264 carotids assessed, 30 FFCs were detected by using MDCTA and overall there were 36 symptomatic patients (12 ipsilateral symptomatic patients with FFC). A statistical correlation between the presence of FFC and symptomaticity (p = 0.0032) was found. The κ value between readers was 0.781. Conclusions: MDCT may depict FFC and the results of our study suggest that FFC may be used as an indicator for prediction of potential cerebrovascular pathology. The interobserver agreement obtained was good.
Depressed Mood after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The FAST Trial
Authors: Christensen Michael C. , Mayer Stephan A. , Ferran Jean-Marc , Kissela Brett
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose: Depression is a frequent and important complication of stroke. Few data exist on the prevalence of depression/depressed mood after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the relationship between depression/depressed mood and the quality of life (QoL) more generally experienced by survivors of ICH. Methods: Factor Seven for Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke (FAST) was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted between May 2005 and February 2007 at 122 sites in 22 countries. All patients were evaluated at day 90 after ICH onset for depressed mood and QoL with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the EuroQoL, respectively. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for depressed mood at day 90. Relationships between HDRS and EuroQoL scores at day 90 were evaluated with Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: 657 patients were alive at 3 months after ICH onset; 596 (91%) completed the HDRS. Twenty percent reported an HDRS score >10, indicating at least a minor degree of depressed mood; 6% endorsed symptoms of severely depressed mood. Significant predictors of depressed mood included comorbidities (p = 0.0022), moderate to severe neurological impairment according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at day 15 (p = 0.0097), physical disability as measured by the Barthel Index (BI) at day 15 (p = 0.0486), and female gender (p = 0.04), but not hemorrhage severity or a history of depression. Irrespective of the presence of post-ICH disability and impairment, the severity of depressed mood at day 90 was significantly correlated with poor QoL. Conclusion: Depressed mood affects approximately 20% of ICH survivors and adversely affects QoL. Physicians should be vigilant to ensure that chronically ill and severely impaired survivors of ICH are adequately monitored and treated for depression after ICH.
Antenatal Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Howman R.A. , Barr A.L. , Shand A.W. , Dickinson J.E.
Published: February 2009

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may complicate pregnancy and, uncommonly, may cause severe neonatal thrombocytopenia. However, it is difficult to predict which neonates are at risk of severe thrombocytopenia. Direct fetal sampling is not commonly done, as it poses significant risks to the fetus. Furthermore, appropriate antenatal treatment of neonates is controversial. We describe the case of a 32-year-old woman with chronic severe ITP and a previous severely affected infant, pregnant with trichorionic triplets, who was successfully managed with the use of weekly intravenous immunoglobulin 1 g/kg without recourse to direct fetal sampling.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy
Authors: Garg A. , Suri A. , Chandra P.S. , Kumar R. , Sharma B.S. , Mahapatra A.K.
Published: February 2009

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is one of the efficacious surgical options available for obstructive hydrocephalus, and is preferable to a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in those eligible. We retrospectively studied 115 cases, who underwent ETV at our institute over the last 5 years. Thirty-eight patients were infants. Major indications for ETV were aqueductal stenosis (n = 60/115, 52.2%), Dandy-Walker malformation (15/115, 13%), associated arachnoid cyst (n = 13/115, 11.3%) and post-meningitic hydrocephalus (n = 12/115, 10.4%). Average duration of the follow-up was 10.6 months. Ninety-nine patients (86.1%) showed clinical improvement after surgery. Clinical improvement was seen in 27 out of 38 infants (71%) followed up. ETV is a highly effective tool in all age groups of patients for the management of hydrocephalus. Clinical features should be considered as indications of the success or failure of ventriculostomy in infants who have low-pressure hydrocephalus.
Placement of the Peritoneal End of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in the Suprahepatic Space: Does It Improve Prognosis?
Authors: Pandey A. , Gangopadhyay A.N. , Sharma S.P. , Upadhyaya V.D. , Kumar V. , Gopal S.C. , Gupta D.K. , Srivastava A.
Published: February 2009

Introduction: Hydrocephalus is a common pediatric problem. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are the most frequent operative procedures used to treat hydrocephalic children. The peritoneal end is usually placed in the general peritoneal cavity. We present an alternative site of peritoneal end placement in the suprahepatic space in an attempt to reduce the abdominal complications. Material and Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus were included in the study. In group 1, the lower end of the VPS was placed in the suprahepatic space. Patients were evaluated for abdominal complications like pseudocyst formation, intestinal obstruction and blockage of the lower end of the VPS. The data were compared with those patients in whom the peritoneal end was placed in the general peritoneal cavity (group 2). Results: The total number of patients in groups 1 and 2 was 133 and 175, respectively. Complications in group 1 were dislodgement of the shunt in the general peritoneal cavity in 28 (21.05%), suprahepatic pseudocyst formation in 2 (1.5%) and blocked lower end in 2 patients (1.5%). In group 2, complications noted were pseudocyst formation in 5 (2.8%), blocked lower end in 25 (14.2%), intestinal obstruction in 9 (5.1%), inguinoscrotal migration in 10 (5.7%) and perforation of viscera in 6 patients (3.4%). The overall follow-up period ranged from 1 to 7 years. Conclusions: Placement of the lower end of the shunt in the suprahepatic space can be advantageous to placing it in the general peritoneal cavity. The procedure is simple and results can be rewarding.
Novel L558P Mutation of the TGFBI Gene Found in Ukrainian Families with Atypical Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Pampukha Volodymyr M. , Kravchenko Sergey A. , Tereshchenko Feodor A. , Livshits Liudmyla A. , Drozhyna Galyna I.
Published: February 2009

Purpose: To report a novel L558P mutation of the human transforming growth factor β-induced (TGFBI) gene found in Ukrainian families with atypical corneal dystrophy (CD). Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of 12 members of 4 unrelated families with atypical CD. We performed genotype analysis of these families with microsatellite markers surrounding the TGFBI locus. Exons of the TGFBI gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and directly sequenced in 5 patients of 4 unrelated families. We utilized a simple PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism-based technique for L558P mutation identification. Fifty normal individuals were also analyzed as controls. These assays were complemented by histological analysis of available corneal buttons excised during penetrating keratoplasty. Results: A heterozygous single-base-pair transition (CTC to CCC, leucine to proline) at codon 558 in exon 12 of the TGFBI gene (L558P) was detected in 10 individuals. Eight are affected, and 2 are teenagers with no clinical manifestation of the disease as yet. The mutation was not found in 2 healthy individuals from 2 high-risk CD families, nor in 50 normal controls. Histopathological examination identified amyloid deposits, mostly in the posterior central cornea. Haplotype analysis provided evidence of a common founder of the L558P mutation. The mutation works on the protein level by disrupting an α-helix, which is crucial for the normal functioning of keratoepithelin. Conclusion: A novel L558P mutation in the TGFBI gene causes an atypical type of stromal CD.
Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium
Authors: Psaty Bruce M. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Folsom Aaron R. , Rotter Jerome I. , Uitterlinden André G. , Harris Tamara B. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: February 2009

Background—

The primary aim of genome-wide association studies is to identify novel genetic loci associated with interindividual variation in the levels of risk factors, the degree of subclinical disease, or the risk of clinical disease. The requirement for large sample sizes and the importance of replication have served as powerful incentives for scientific collaboration.

Methods—

The Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium was formed to facilitate genome-wide association studies meta-analyses and replication opportunities among multiple large population-based cohort studies, which collect data in a standardized fashion and represent the preferred method for estimating disease incidence. The design of the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium includes 5 prospective cohort studies from the United States and Europe: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility—Reykjavik Study, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, the Cardiovascular Health Study, the Framingham Heart Study, and the Rotterdam Study. With genome-wide data on a total of about 38 000 individuals, these cohort studies have a large number of health-related phenotypes measured in similar ways. For each harmonized trait, within-cohort genome-wide association study analyses are combined by meta-analysis. A prospective meta-analysis of data from all 5 cohorts, with a properly selected level of genome-wide statistical significance, is a powerful approach to finding genuine phenotypic associations with novel genetic loci.

Conclusions—

The Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium and collaborating non-member studies or consortia provide an excellent framework for the identification of the genetic determinants of risk factors, subclinical-disease measures, and clinical events.
Coffee Consumption and Risk of Stroke in Women
Authors: Lopez-Garcia Esther , Rodriguez-Artalejo Fernando , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Logroscino Giancarlo , Hu Frank B. , van Dam Rob M.
Published: February 2009

Background—

Data on the association between coffee consumption and risk of stroke are sparse. We assessed the association between coffee consumption and the risk of stroke over 24 years of follow-up in women.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed data from a prospective cohort of 83 076 women in the Nurses’ Health Study without history of stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, or cancer at baseline. Coffee consumption was assessed first in 1980 and then repeatedly every 2 to 4 years, with follow-up through 2004. We documented 2280 strokes, of which 426 were hemorrhagic, 1224 were ischemic, and 630 were undetermined. In multivariable Cox regression models with adjustment for age, smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, aspirin use, and dietary factors, the relative risks (RRs) of stroke across categories of coffee consumption (<1 cup per month, 1 per month to 4 per week, 5 to 7 per week, 2 to 3 per day, and ≥4 per day) were 1, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.84 to 1.15), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.77 to 1.02), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.95), and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.98) (
P
for trend=0.003). After further adjustment for high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and type 2 diabetes, the inverse association remained significant. The association was stronger among never and past smokers (RR for ≥4 cups a day versus <1 cup a month, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.84) than among current smokers (RR for ≥4 cups a day versus <1 cup a month, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.48). Other drinks containing caffeine such as tea and caffeinated soft drinks were not associated with stroke. Decaffeinated coffee was associated with a trend toward lower risk of stroke after adjustment for caffeinated coffee consumption (RR for ≥2 cups a day versus <1 cup a month, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.08;
P
for trend=0.05).

Conclusions—

Long-term coffee consumption was not associated with an increased risk of stroke in women. In contrast, our data suggest that coffee consumption may modestly reduce risk of stroke.
Tomato culture filtrate stimulates hatching and activity of Meloidogyne incognita juveniles
Authors: Mizukubo Takayuki , Oka Yuji
Published: February 2009

Hydroponic culture media were tested after growing tomato, okra, cucumber and bean for their effect on hatching and mobility of Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) in laboratory experiments. Tomato and okra culture media increased the numbers of J2 that hatched as compared to those in water or fresh culture medium. The tomato culture medium increased hatching even in the presence of fosthiazate, an organophosphate nematicide, and at a concentration that inhibited hatching in the absence of tomato culture medium. Neither heat treatment of the tomato culture medium nor change of pH abolished its hatching stimulatory activity. When active J2 were incubated in the tomato culture media, the percentages of nematodes that became quiescent were lower than those of nematodes incubated in water or in fresh culture medium for 3 and 7 days in two trials. Moreover, the sigmoid movement of J2 was faster in the tomato culture medium than in water. Quiescent J2 became active more rapidly in culture media of tomato, cucumber and okra than in water or fresh culture medium. In experiments using soil containing quiescent J2, more J2 were extracted with the Baermann funnel method from soil treated with tomato culture medium than from soil treated with water. The results confirm that nematode stimulants, which may serve as a potential means in nematode control, exist in the plant culture media.
Additional information on an atypical population of Meloidogyne exigua Göldi, 1887 (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) parasitising rubber tree in Brazil
Authors: de Castro Mota Fabiane , Carneiro Regina , Campos Vicente Paulo , dos Santos Marcilene , Gomes Ana Cristina , Muniz Maria de Fátima , Almeida Maria Ritta
Published: February 2009

Females, males and second-stage juveniles of an unusual population of Meloidogyne exigua race 3 that only parasitises the rubber tree were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Previous molecular characterisation, using SCAR markers, showed consistency with other M. exigua populations from coffee. However, RAPD analysis showed high polymorphism (43.1-57.8%) but with 100% bootstrap support among populations from coffee and rubber tree. In addition, this population showed the main M. exigua esterase band (Rm: 1.5) and an additional band (Rm: 1.6) not detected in the coffee population. The morphology of this atypical population was very close to M. exigua from coffee in major diagnostic characters such as perineal pattern and male head region. However, minor differences occurred in morphological and morphometric features, particularly in the female and male stylet morphology. Cytogenetic studies confirmed the occurrence of meiotic parthenogenesis with haploid chromosome number (n = 18).
A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in the north-west of Iran
Authors: Kary Naser Eivazian , Niknam Gholamreza , Abolgasem Mohammadi Seyed , Griffin Christine , Moghaddam Mohammad
Published: February 2009

During 2002-2004, a survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted for the first time in Iran throughout the three provinces in the north-west of the country. Soil samples were tested for the presence of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Of the 833 soil samples studied 27 were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes (3.2%), with 17 (2.0%) containing Heterorhabditis and ten (1.2%) Steinernema isolates. Morphological and molecular studies were carried out to characterise isolates. The Heterorhabditis isolates were identified as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema as Steinernema carpocapsae, S. bicornutum and S. feltiae. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora was the most common species, which was isolated from 17 sites across the three provinces. Steinernema feltiae was the most common species of Steinernema, which was isolated from eight sites but in only two provinces. Steinernema carpocapsae and S. bicornutum were each isolated from only one site. Steinernema spp. were isolated mainly from orchards and grasslands but Heterorhabditis was isolated mainly from grasslands and alfalfa fields.
A New Algorithm for Finding Mixed Layer Depths with Applications to Argo Data and Subantarctic Mode Water Formation*
Authors: Holte James , Talley Lynne
Published: February 2009

A new hybrid method for finding the mixed layer depth (MLD) of individual ocean profiles models the general shape of each profile, searches for physical features in the profile, and calculates threshold and gradient MLDs to assemble a suite of possible MLD values. It then analyzes the patterns in the suite to select a final MLD estimate. The new algorithm is provided in online supplemental materials. Developed using profiles from all oceans, the algorithm is compared to threshold methods that use the C. de Boyer Montégut et al. criteria and to gradient methods using 13 601 Argo profiles from the southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic Oceans. In general, the threshold methods find deeper MLDs than the new algorithm and the gradient methods produce more anomalous MLDs than the new algorithm. When constrained to using only temperature profiles, the algorithm offers a clear improvement over the temperature threshold and gradient methods; the new temperature algorithm MLDs more closely approximate the density algorithm MLDs than the temperature threshold and gradient MLDs. The algorithm is applied to profiles from a formation region of Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW). The density algorithm finds that the deepest MLDs in this region routinely reach 500 dbar and occur north of the A. H. Orsi et al. mean Subantarctic Front in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The deepest MLDs typically occur in August and September and are congruent with the subsurface salinity minimum, a signature of AAIW.
Renewing Class Analysis in Studies of the Workplace: A Comparison of Working-class and Middle-class Women's Aspirations and Identities
Authors: Hebson Gail
Published: February 2009

A renewed class analysis has shown the importance of culture, emotions and identity in conceptualizing and understanding how class is lived. However, proponents of the new sociology of class rarely explore these issues in an occupational setting. This article argues that the insights developed in the new cultural approaches to class can be used fruitfully to analyse contemporary experiences of work. Using a comparative study of women working in working-class and middle-class occupations, the article illustrates the implicit and emotional dimensions of the classed experience of work through a study of the women's aspirations and their class identities. Rather than equating class with economic resources and constraints, the article shows how class `thinking and feelings' (Reay, 2005) also shape the experiences of work.
Illuminations, Class Identities and the Contested Landscapes of Christmas
Authors: Edensor Tim , Millington Steve
Published: February 2009

In the last two decades, illuminating the outside of a house with multi-coloured lights has become a popular British Christmas practice, typically adopted within working-class neighbourhoods and thus producing a particular geography of illumination.This article explores how such displays have become a site for class conflict mobilized around contesting ideas about space, time, community, aesthetics and festivity, highlighting how the symbolic economy of class conflict moves across popular culture. We focus upon two contrasting class-making practices evoking conflicting cultural values. First, we examine the themes prevalent in negative media representations of Christmas lights, notably the expression of disgust which foregrounds the working-class stereotype, the `chav'. Second, we analyse the motivations of displayers, exploring how the illuminations are imbued with idealistic notions about conviviality and generosity.
`Deux temps de lecture'
Authors: Jackson Amanda Crawley
Published: February 2009

This paper explores the process and practice of inscription and impression in the photographic works of Natacha Lesueur. It suggests that while Lesueur engages with the idiom of the fashion photograph, this is to subvert rather than affirm the genre. Her photographs play with and speak to the nature of the photographic medium itself (which is time-based, materially ephemeral and, in the popular consciousness, linked with stereotypical portrayals of the female subject). They serve to show, like Cindy Sherman's work, that the stereotype and essential femininities are constructed in the act of looking, rather than in the act of representation. Finally, it proposes that the epidermal inscriptions made on the skin ( pellicula) of Lesueur's models can be understood to function as a mise en abyme of the photographic process itself ( pellicule). This leads to the conclusion that Lesueur's practice seeks at once to un-frame the real and to articulate identity as event.
The lexicogrammatical reflection of interpersonal relationship in conversation
Authors: Lam Marvin , Webster Jonathan
Published: February 2009

This article reports an attempt to investigate, apart from the semantics and the pragmatics, how much the lexis and the grammar of a conversation can help extract interpersonal information about the interlocutors' orientations towards each other. The discourse analysed was extracted from a scene in Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and its motion picture adaptation. The adaptation of this scene is similar to the novel original in terms of the characters' content of discussion and only differs in the orientation of the characters to one another. The analysis focuses on the determination of response types, which are generally classified as either expected or discretionary, and contribute to the realization of positive and negative orientations respectively. The distribution of different types of response is visualized as the interlocutor's `response profile', which helps in the realization of his/her orientation to the one to whom he/she is responding.
Interaction between grammar and multimodal resources: quoting different characters in Korean multiparty conversation
Authors: Park Yujong
Published: February 2009

This article examines the interaction between grammar and multimodal resources by analyzing reported speech in Korean multiparty face-to-face interaction. The operation of two relevancy rules — minimization and recognition in interaction — is examined together with how the absence or presence of grammar is complemented by multimodal resources of various sorts. For the analysis, three categories (self-quotation, co-party quotation and third-party quotation) are posited depending on who the quoted character is in the talk. In quoting oneself or co-participants in the talk, syntactic resources, prosody, sequential organization and embodied participant frameworks collaborate in the interactional management of the quote without overt realization of grammatical resources traditionally proposed for building quotations in Korean. The multimodal character of quoted speech is most weakly realized when quoting a non-present (third-party) character, not only because of the limitation in body and spatial resources available in the local context to recover various referential terms, but more importantly, because the interactional project that the parties are engaged in makes a distancing device such as the quotative particle -ko relevant. This study provides evidence for the intricate interaction between multimodal resources and grammar through investigation of an important realm of human interaction, that of reported speech.
Plasticity induced transformation in a metastable β Ti-1023 alloy by controlled heat treatments
Authors: Neelakantan S. , San Martin D. , Rivera-Díaz-del-Castillo P. E. J. , van der Zwaag S.
Published: February 2009

Investigations into the possibility of improving the strength–ductility relation in a metastable β-titanium alloy (Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al) through plasticity induced transformation (PiTTi) have been carried out. Various heat treatments in the β and/or α+ β condition were performed to study their influence on both the microstructure and solute partitioning, which eventually control the PiTTi effect. Stress induced martensite formation promoting such effect has been observed upon compression testing for β and β+( α+ β) microstructures. The stress–strain curves exhibiting stress induced martensite show a ∼20% increase in strength, while still retaining a reasonable ductility level. Microstructural parameters such as grain size and solute concentration (especially V) in β have been related to the alloy's ability to exhibit PiTTi.
Determining the effectiveness of High Resolution Melting analysis for SNP genotyping and mutation scanning at the TP53 locus
Authors: Garritano Sonia , Gemignani Federica , Voegele Catherine , Nguyen-Dumont Tú , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence , De Silva Deepika , Lesueur Fabienne , Landi Stefano , Tavtigian Sean V
Published: February 2009

Background

Together single nucleotide substitutions and small insertion/deletion variants are the most common form of sequence variation in the human gene pool.

High-resolution SNP profile and/or haplotype analyses enable the identification of modest-risk susceptibility genes to common diseases, genes that may modulate responses to pharmaceutical agents, and SNPs that can affect either their expression or function. In addition, sensitive techniques for germline or somatic mutation detection are important tools for characterizing sequence variations in genes responsible for tumor predisposition. Cost-effective methods are highly desirable. Many of the recently developed high-throughput technologies are geared toward industrial scale genetic studies and arguably do not provide useful solutions for small laboratory investigator-initiated projects. Recently, the use of new fluorescent dyes allowed the high-resolution analysis of DNA melting curves (HRM).

Results

Here, we compared the capacity of HRM, applicable to both genotyping and mutation scanning, to detect genetic variations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 with that of mutation screening by full resequencing. We also assessed the performance of a variety of available HRM-based genotyping assays by genotyping 30 TP53 SNPs. We describe a series of solutions to handle the difficulties that may arise in large-scale application of HRM to mutation screening and genotyping at the TP53 locus. In particular, we developed specific HRM assays that render possible genotyping of 2 or more, sometimes closely spaced, polymorphisms within the same amplicon. We also show that simultaneous genotyping of 2 SNPs from 2 different amplicons using a multiplex PCR reaction is feasible; the data can be analyzed in a single HRM run, potentially improving the efficiency of HRM genotyping workflows.

Conclusion

The HRM technique showed high sensitivity and specificity (1.0, and 0.8, respectively, for amplicons of <400 bp) for mutation screening and provided useful genotyping assays as assessed by comparing the results with those obtained with Sanger sequencing. Thus, HRM is particularly suitable for either performing mutation scanning of a large number of samples, even in the situation where the amplicon(s) of interest harbor a common variant that may disturb the analysis, or in a context where gathering common SNP genotypes is of interest.
Dynamic distribution and expression in vivo of the human interferon gamma gene delivered by adenoviral vector
Authors: Wu Jiangxue , Xiao Xia , Jia Hongyun , Chen Jiemin , Zhu Yinghui , Zhao Peng , Lin Huanxin , Huang Wenlin
Published: February 2009

Background

We previously found that r-hu-IFNγ exerts a potent anti-tumor effect on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenografts in vivo. Considering the fact that the clinical use of recombinant IFNγ is limited by its short half-life and systemic side effects, we developed a recombinant adenovirus, Ad-IFNγ.

Methods

Dynamic distribution of the adenovirus vector and expression of IFNγ were evaluated by Q-PCR and ELISA after intratumoral administration of Ad-IFNγ into CNE-2 xenografts.

Results

Ad-IFNγ DNA was mainly enriched in tumors where the Ad-IFNγ DNA was injected (P < 0.05, compared to blood or parenchymal organs), as well as in livers (P < 0.05). Concentrations of Ad-IFNγ DNA in other organs and blood were very low. Intratumoral Ad-IFNγ DNA decreased sharply at high concentrations (9 × 105 copies/μg tissue DNA), and slowly at lower concentrations (1.7–2.9 × 105 copies/μg tissue DNA). IFNγ was detected in the tumors and parenchymal organs. The concentration of IFNγ was highest in the tumor (P < 0.05), followed by the liver and kidney (P < 0.05). High-level intratumoral expression of IFNγ was maintained for at least 7 days, rapidly peaking on day 3 after injection of Ad-IFNγ DNA.

Conclusion

An IFNγ gene delivered by an adenoviral vector achieved high and consistent intratumoral expression. Disseminated Ad-IFNγ DNA and the transgene product were mainly enriched in the liver.
Progesterone receptor A and c-Met mediates spheroids-endometrium attachment
Authors: Harduf Haggar , Goldman Shlomit , Shalev Eliezer
Published: February 2009

Background

Implantation in humans involves cross talk between an active blastocyst and receptive endometrium. The role of the endometrial receptors in this complex embryo-maternal interaction is still unclear. We tested gene and protein expression of endometrial receptors (Progesterone receptor (PR) and c-Met) and the effect of theses receptors in endometrial receptivity.

Methods

Two endometrial cell lines were used: HEC-1A and RL95-2 considered as being of low and high receptivity, respectively. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis were utilized to study the receptor expression profile.

The role of endometrial receptors in endometrial receptivity was studied by attachment and invasion assays of JAR spheroids (made of a trophoblast cell line) on endometrial cells. Different manipulations of inhibition and stimulation of the endometrial receptors were used including: inhibition by specific antibodies against the receptors, or antagonist of the receptors, as well as transfection with antisense for the endometrial receptors, stimulation by specific ligands for the receptors and transfection with the gene for endometrial receptors.

Results

Different protein expression patterns of endometrial receptors were observed between the tested endometrial cell lines. The expression levels of PRA ratio to PRB, and the 50 kDa c-MET isoform were significantly lower in HEC-1A as compared with RL95-2. Attachment rates and growth of JAR spheroids into HEC-1A were significantly lower as compared with RL95-2. Stimulation of PR with progesterone altered attachment rates to HEC-1A. Inhibition of PR with RU-486 mildly increased attachment rate to HEC-1A whereas it slightly decreased attachment rate to RL95-2. c-Met inhibition decreased attachment rates only to HEC-1A cells that expressing high levels of Plexin-B1 (PB1). Immunoprecipitation studies revealed that c-Met and PB1 associate in complexes in the endometrial cell lines.

Conclusion

Differential endometrial receptor profiles are expressed during the receptivity period. The attachment and invasion processes are separately regulated. We suggest a biologically functional role for PRA in endometrial receptivity and in the attachment process. c-Met contribution is minor and related with creation of a complex with PB1.
Human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K(HML-2) encodes a stable signal peptide with biological properties distinct from Rec
Authors: Ruggieri Alessia , Maldener Esther , Sauter Marlies , Mueller-Lantzsch Nikolaus , Meese Eckart , Fackler Oliver T , Mayer Jens
Published: February 2009

Background

The human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K(HML-2) family is associated with testicular germ cell tumors (GCT). Various HML-2 proviruses encode viral proteins such as Env and Rec.

Results

We describe here that HML-2 Env gives rise to a 13 kDa signal peptide (SP) that harbors a different C-terminus compared to Rec. Subsequent to guiding Env to the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), HML-2 SP is released into the cytosol. Biochemical analysis and confocal microscopy demonstrated that similar to Rec, SP efficiently translocates to the granular component of nucleoli. Unlike Rec, SP does not shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm. SP is less stable than Rec as it is subjected to proteasomal degradation. Moreover, SP lacks export activity towards HML-2 genomic RNA, the main function of Rec in the original viral context, and SP does not interfere with Rec's RNA export activity.

Conclusion

SP is a previously unrecognized HML-2 protein that, besides targeting and translocation of Env into the ER lumen, may exert biological functions distinct from Rec. HML-2 SP represents another functional similarity with the closely related Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus that encodes an Env-derived SP named p14. Our findings furthermore support the emerging concept of bioactive SPs as a conserved retroviral strategy to modulate their host cell environment, evidenced here by a "retroviral fossil". While the specific role of HML-2 SP remains to be elucidated in the context of human biology, we speculate that it may be involved in immune evasion of GCT cells or tumorigenesis.
BALB/c mice genetically susceptible to proteoglycan-induced arthritis and spondylitis show colony-dependent differences in disease penetrance
Authors: Farkas Balint , Boldizsar Ferenc , Tarjanyi Oktavia , Laszlo Anna , Lin Simon M , Hutas Gabor , Tryniszewska Beata , Mangold Aaron , Nagyeri Gyorgy , Rosenzweig Holly L , Finnegan Alison , Mikecz Katalin , Glant Tibor T
Published: February 2009

Introduction

The major histocompatibility complex (H-2d) and non-major histocompatibility complex genetic backgrounds make the BALB/c strain highly susceptible to inflammatory arthritis and spondylitis. Although different BALB/c colonies develop proteoglycan-induced arthritis and proteoglycan-induced spondylitis in response to immunization with human cartilage proteoglycan, they show significant differences in disease penetrance despite being maintained by the same vendor at either the same or a different location.

Methods

BALB/c female mice (24 to 26 weeks old after 4 weeks of acclimatization) were immunized with a suboptimal dose of cartilage proteoglycan to explore even minute differences among 11 subcolonies purchased from five different vendors. In vitro-measured T-cell responses, and serum cytokines and (auto)antibodies were correlated with arthritis (and spondylitis) phenotypic scores. cDNA microarrays were also performed using spleen cells of naïve and immunized BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ mice (both colonies from The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA), which represent the two major BALB/c sublines.

Results

The 11 BALB/c colonies could be separated into high (n = 3), average (n = 6), and low (n = 2) responder groups based upon their arthritis scores. While the clinical phenotypes showed significant differences, only a few immune parameters correlated with clinical or histopathological abnormalities, and seemingly none of them affected differences found in altered clinical phenotypes (onset time, severity or incidence of arthritis, or severity and progression of spondylitis). Affymetrix assay (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA) explored 77 differentially expressed genes (at a significant level, P < 0.05) between The Jackson Laboratory's BALB/cJ (original) and BALB/cByJ (transferred from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Fourteen of the 77 differentially expressed genes had unknown function; 24 of 77 genes showed over twofold differences, and only 8 genes were induced by immunization, some in both colonies.

Conclusions

Using different subcolonies of the BALB/c strain, we can detect significant differences in arthritis phenotypes, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and a large number of differentially expressed genes, even in non-immunized animals. A number of the known genes (and SNPs) are associated with immune responses and/or arthritis in this genetically arthritis-prone murine strain, and a number of genes of as-yet-unknown function may affect or modify clinical phenotypes of arthritis and/or spondylitis.
Antibodies against PM/Scl-75 and PM/Scl-100 are independent markers for different subsets of systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Hanke Katharina , Brückner Claudia S , Dähnrich Cornelia , Huscher Dörte , Komorowski Lars , Meyer Wolfgang , Janssen Anthonia , Backhaus Marina , Becker Mike , Kill Angela , Egerer Karl , Burmester Gerd R , Hiepe Falk , Schlumberger Wolfgang , Riemekasten Gabriela
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Anti-PM/Scl antibodies are present in sera from patients with polymyositis (PM), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and PM/SSc overlap syndromes. The prevalence of antibodies against the 75- and 100-kDa PM/Scl proteins and their clinical associations have not been studied in SSc patients in detail so far but could provide a valuable tool for risk assessment in these patients. Furthermore, it remains speculative whether commercially available test systems detecting only anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies are sufficient in SSc patients.

Methods

Two hundred eighty sera from SSc patients, patients with other connective tissue diseases (n = 209), and healthy blood donors (n = 50) were analyzed for the presence of anti-PM/Scl-75 and anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies by means of line immunoblot assay. For the SSc patients, possible associations between both subsets of anti-PM/Scl antibodies with clinical and laboratory findings were studied.

Results

The determination of anti-PM/Scl reactivity revealed a diagnostic sensitivity of 12.5% and a specificity of 96.9% for SSc. Among anti-PM/Scl-positive SSc patients, 10.4% and 7.1% were positive for anti-PM/Scl-75 and anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies, respectively. The highest prevalences of reactivity to PM/Scl were detected in diffuse SSc (19.8%) and overlap syndromes (17.6%). Patients with diffuse SSc showed mainly an anti-PM/Scl-75 response, whereas most cases of overlap syndromes were characterized by reactivity to both PM/Scl antigens. The presence of anti-PM/Scl-75/100 antibodies was associated with muscular and lung involvements as well as with digital ulcers; pulmonary arterial hypertension was found less frequently. Anti-PM/Scl-75 antibodies were detected more frequently in younger and more active patients with joint contractures. Anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies were associated with creatine kinase elevation; however, gastrointestinal involvements were observed less frequently.

Conclusions

Anti-PM/Scl antibodies are common in distinct SSc subsets and are associated with several clinical symptoms. They are directed mainly to the PM/Scl-75 antigen. Consequently, the detection of anti-PM/Scl antibodies by tests based only on PM/Scl-100 as an antigen source may miss a relevant number of SSc patients positive for these antibodies.
Pulmonary vascular permeability changes in an ovine model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sepsis
Authors: Jonkam Collette C , Bansal Kamna , Traber Daniel L , Hamahata Atsumori , Maybauer Marc O , Maybauer Dirk M , Cox Robert A , Lange Matthias , Connelly Rhykka L , Traber Lillian D , Djukom Clarisse D , Salsbury John R , Herndon David N , Enkhbaatar Perenlei
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of sepsis, associated with lung transvascular fluid flux and pulmonary dysfunction in septic patients. We tested the hypothesis that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis following smoke inhalation increases pulmonary transvascular fluid flux via excessive nitric oxide (NO) production.

Methods

Ewes were chronically instrumented, and randomised into either a control or MRSA sepsis (MRSA and smoke inhalation) group.

Results

Pulmonary function remained stable in the control group, whereas the MRSA sepsis group developed impaired gas exchange and significantly increased lung lymph flow, permeability index and bloodless wet-to-dry weight-ratio (W/D ratio). The plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels, lung inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expressions and poly-(ADP)-ribose (PAR) were significantly increased by MRSA challenge.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence that excessive NO production may mediate pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability in MRSA sepsis via up regulation of reactive radicals and VEGF.
Martin Luther's Doctrine on Trade and Price in Its Literary Context
Authors: Langholm Odd
Published: February 2009

This paper examines some of Martin Luther's economic ideas from a largely neglected point of view. Religious issues naturally dominated his writings. When he turned to economic subjects, his primary focus was on the usurious practices of the banks and trading companies of his times. His utterances on those subjects, in form and content, present a biased picture of his thought. Having received an academic training at the highest level, in scholastic philosophy, including scholastic economics, Luther wrote with great authority about market behavior, about cost and demand as price determinants, and argued against economic coercion, collusion, and certain monopolistic practices. It is frequently possible to tie Luther in with medieval literary traditions on these subjects and sometimes to identify a specific source.
Revisiting the Sixties and Refusing Trash: Preamble to and Interview with Peter Schumann of Bread and Puppet Theater
Authors: Spitta Silvia D.
Published: February 2009

This essay frames an extended 2008 interview with Peter Schumann, founder and director of the Bread and Puppet Theater collective, through a discussion of how the sixties spread like wildfire across the world. The author rescues the sixties' understanding that liberation could only be achieved through the liberation of the body from revisionist histories that downplay the era's stunning political achievements. The enormous success sixties' activists had in mobilizing millions (“people power”) resulted from the coupling of theory and action through music, art, ritual, and theater. The article discusses two theaters: one in Honduras (Teatro Basura) and one in Vermont (Bread and Puppet Theater), both of which were greatly influenced by Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, which stressed recycling, making do with what is at hand, and underlined the importance of local and native epistemologies.
Experimental Girls: Feminist and Transgender Discourses in Bill's New Frock and Marvin Redpost: Is He a Girl?
Authors: Butler Charles
Published: February 2009

Bill’s New Frock (1989) and Marvin Redpost: Is He a Girl ? (1993) each tell of a boy who
spends a short time living life as a female. This article reads these two chapter books in the
light of the debates about the relationship between sex and gender that took place both within
feminism and in the nascent queer and transgender movements in the years leading up to the
early 1990s. It suggests some ways in which these apparently similar texts embody important
ideological tensions and disparities, reflecting the wider gender politics of the period.