bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Niebroj‐Dobosz I. , Janik P. , Sokołowska B. , Kwiecinski H.
Published: October 2009

Background and purpose:  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the expression of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlating the results with age, disease duration and the clinical course.

Methods:  The material consisted of 30 ALS patients and 15 age‐matched healthy controls. ELISA method to determine the expression of MT‐MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 in serum and CSF was used. MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by zymography was also tested.

Results:  In serum MT‐MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 expression was increased, especially in mild ALS cases. TIMP‐2 values were normal. In CSF MT‐MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and TIMP‐1 level was either increased or normal, that of MMP‐9 was decreased. TIMP‐2 did not change. No correlation of MMPs and TIMP‐1 expression in serum and CSF and the age of the patients was found. A correlation was observed between MMPs and TIMPs and disease duration.

Conclusions:  Increased level of MMPs and TIMP‐1 of ALS patients may reflect the degeneration process of motor neurons and skeletal muscles and/or is associated with tissues remodeling. The low level of MMP‐9 in CSF may result from impaired balance between MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 and/or its increased intrathecal degradation and physical clearance. Although the role of changed MMPs/TIMPs level in the pathogenesis of ALS is not clear their analysis in serum may be used as prognostic factor and a potential marker for monitoring treatment effects.
Labour Market Dynamics in Australia: What Drives Unemployment?*
Authors: KARANASSOU MARIKA , SALA HECTOR
Published: October 2009

The debate in Australia on the (constant‐output) elasticity of labour demand with respect to wages has wrongly sidelined the role of capital stock as a determinant of employment (Webster, 2003). As far back as 1991, Pissarides had argued that the influence of capital stock on the performance of the labour market is crucial but not well understood, a research area which is particularly relevant for Australia. This article attempts to fill this void by estimating a multi‐equation labour market model comprising labour demand, wage setting and labour supply equations. The model is used to examine the causes of the unemployment upturn in 1973–1983 and the subsequent decline in 1993–2006. Our results show that (i) the main determinants of the unemployment rise in the 1970s and early 1980s were wage‐push factors, the two oil price shocks and the increase in interest rates, and (ii) the acceleration in capital accumulation was the crucial driving force of unemployment in the 1990s and 2000s. Furthermore, although the recent boom in the terms of trade is equally important, its downward effect on unemployment was partially reversed by the resulting decrease in net foreign demand.
Effects of the Tm3+ Ion Codoping on the Upconversion Luminescence of Er3+ Ion‐Doped Chalcohalide Glasses
Authors: Shen Ce , Zhang Qiang , Xu Yinsheng , Chen Danping , Zeng Huidan , Chen Guorong
Published: October 2009

In this paper, the upconversion luminescence of Er3+ ion‐doped and Er3+/Tm3+ ion‐codoped 70GeS2–10In2S3–20CsBr chalcohalide glasses were studied with 808 or 980nm laser diode as an excitation source. Results show that both excitations induced intensive green upconversion emissions for Er3+ ion‐doped samples, which were greatly enhanced by Tm3+ ions codoping with an 808 nm laser source but became weakened under 980 nm excitation. The possible mechanisms involved under the different pump schemes are discussed in view of the energy transfer processes existing in the Er3+/Tm3+ ion‐codoped glasses.
Physical and Microstructural Properties of NiO‐ and Ni‐YSZ Composite Thin Films Fabricated by Pulsed‐Laser Deposition at T≤700°C
Authors: Noh Ho‐Sung , Park Jong‐Sung , Son Ji‐Won , Lee Heon , Lee Jong‐Ho , Lee Hae‐Weon
Published: October 2009

The physical and microstructural properties of NiO‐ and Ni‐YSZ composite thin films deposited by pulsed‐laser deposition have been investigated for nanoporous anode electrodes of SOFC applications. An NiO‐YSZ thin film which was deposited at room temperature and postannealed at 700°C exhibited a fine porous structure, but electrical conduction was not detected when reduced. On the other hand, 700°C‐deposited NiO‐YSZ films showed appropriate crystallinity and exhibited electrical conductivity after reduction; however, massive Ni agglomeration occurred and porous structures were not obtained as intended. It was shown that as the Ni content and the reduction temperature increase, the coarsening becomes much more severe.
Facilitating Emergency Care Research Networks: Integration into the Clinical Translational and Science Award (CTSA) Infrastructure
Authors: Hollander Judd E. , Gaulton Glen N. , Courtney D. Mark , Lewis Roger J. , Lowe Robert A. , Becker Mark O. , Neumar Robert W.
Published: October 2009

Emergency care research (ECR) does not fit neatly into the traditional National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding model, because emergency research involves undifferentiated disease presentations involving multiple disciplines and time‐sensitive interventions. A task force of emergency care researchers and other stakeholders was convened to discuss the present and future state of clinical research networks. Integration of ECR with the Clinical Translational and Science Award (CTSA) program through a multidisciplinary emergency care research network (ECRN) would obviate the duplication of research efforts by disease‐specific or institute‐specific multicenter networks and reduce startup and maintenance costs. Strategies to enhance integration must include the training of emergency physician investigators in biostatistical and epidemiologic methods, as well as educating collaborative investigators in emergency care–related methodologies. Thus, an ECRN would be of great benefit to CTSA awardees and applicants and should be considered a priority.
Industry Relations With Emergency Medicine Graduate Medical Education Programs
Authors: Kowalenko Terry , Char Douglas , Marco Catherine , Asher Shellie , Raja Ali , Farrell Sue , Sokolove Peter E. ,   for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Graduate Medical Education, Ethics, and Industry Relations Committees
Published: October 2009

A panel of physicians from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Graduate Medical Education (GME), Ethics, and Industry Relations Committees were asked by the SAEM Board of Directors to write a position paper on the relationship of emergency medicine (EM) GME with industry. Using multiple sources as references, the team derived a set of guidelines that all EM GME training programs can use when interacting with industry representatives. In addition, the team used a question–answer format to provide educators and residents with a practical approach to these interactions. The SAEM Board of Directors endorsed the guidelines in June 2009.
Measuring Sexism, Racism, Sexual Prejudice, Ageism, Classism, and Religious Intolerance: The Intolerant Schema Measure
Authors: Aosved Allison C. , Long Patricia J. , Voller Emily K.
Published: October 2009

Despite similarities between sexism, racism, sexual prejudice, ageism, classism, and religious intolerance, investigators do not routinely investigate these intolerant beliefs simultaneously. The purpose of this project was to create a brief, psychometrically sound measure of intolerance reflecting these 6 constructs. Data from existing measures (Attitudes Toward Women Scale, Neosexism Scale, Modern and Old‐Fashioned Racism Scale, Modern Homophobia Scale, Frabroni Scale of Ageism, Economic Beliefs Scale, and M‐GRISM) and from items created by the authors were obtained from several college samples to create the Intolerant Schema Measure (ISM). Results support the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and factor structure of the questionnaire. Expected relationships between measured concepts, social dominance, social desirability, and across key demographic groups support the validity of the instrument.
The Perils of Success in the Workplace: Comparison Target Responses to Coworkers' Upward Comparison Threat1
Authors: Henagan Stephanie C. , Bedeian Arthur G.
Published: October 2009

This field study investigated the coping behaviors utilized by award‐winning real‐estate agents who, as a consequence of their outperformance, perceived that they were the targets of threatening upward comparisons by those they had outperformed. We hypothesized that outperformers' comparison target discomfort (i.e., discomfort associated with being a target of upward comparisons) would moderate the relationships between comparison threat experienced by those outperformed and outperformers' modest self‐presentation, avoidance behaviors, and socially motivated underachievement. Our results provide partial (and counterintuitive) support for our hypotheses, confirming that comparison target discomfort plays a complex role in determining outperformers' behavioral responses to being the target (real or imagined) of upward comparisons.
Can Sex‐Undifferentiated Teacher Expectations Mask an Influence of Sex Stereotypes? Alternative Forms of Sex Bias in Teacher Expectations1
Authors: Chalabaev Aïna , Sarrazin Philippe , Trouilloud David , Jussim Lee
Published: October 2009

This research investigated different forms of sex bias in teacher expectations relative to gymnastics performance. First, a laboratory experiment including 163 physical education teachers confirmed that stereotypes favorable to boys may influence teacher expectations in gymnastics. Next, a naturalistic study involving 15 teachers and 422 students showed that teachers expected no sex differences, even though girls performed better than boys. However, this sex bias was a result of reliance on nondiagnostic student personal characteristics favorable to boys, rather than on a stereotype per se. These results suggest that egalitarian beliefs may mask a bias in favor of a social group when group differences actually exist, and that sex‐biased teacher expectations do not inevitably involve an influence of sex stereotypes.
The Role of Perceived Wealth Competence, Wealth Values, and Internal Wealth Locus of Control in Predicting Wealth Creation Behavior1
Authors: Steed Lyndall , Symes Maxine
Published: October 2009

The aim of this research was to explore the possibility that Wallston's (1992) modified social learning theory would apply to wealth creation behavior. We hypothesized that those who have high scores on internal wealth locus of control, perceived wealth competence, and wealth value would be more likely to engage in wealth creation behavior, both currently and in the future. A community sample of 317 adults completed measures of all these constructs. Factor structure and reliability of the scales were established prior to analysis. Two separate hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted: The moderation hypothesis was not supported. Perceived wealth competence was identified as a predictor of wealth creation behavior, current and future, in terms of both statistical and practical significance.
Geometric constraint model selection – an example with New World birds and mammals
Authors: Sandel Brody
Published: October 2009

Geometric constraint models (GCMs) may be important tools for understanding macroecological patterns. However, there are currently a wide range of models in use, and few established criteria for selecting a model to use in a particular case. I propose a model selection procedure that uses multiple macroecological patterns to select the best fitting GCM. I then demonstrate this method by comparing the fit of three GCMs to patterns of richness, range size and range shape of New World birds and mammals. Which GCM fit best depended on the average range size of the group in question, suggesting that the choice of which GCM to use can and should be context‐dependent. Objective model‐selection criteria, such as those proposed here, offer a promising basis for making this choice.
Melatonin‐induced estrogen receptor α‐mediated calbindin‐D9k expression plays a role in H2O2‐mediated cell death in rat pituitary GH3 cells
Authors: Yoo Yeong‐Min , Jeung Eui‐Bae
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Calbindin‐D9k (CaBP‐9k) is a 9‐kDa polypeptide possessing two calcium‐binding sites that is expressed in the mammalian intestine, uterus, and pituitary gland. The factors regulating the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) and CaBP‐9k in the pituitary gland are currently unknown. In this study, we investigated whether the ER and CaBP‐9k expression are regulated by melatonin during H2O2‐induced cell death in rat pituitary GH3 cells. Cell survival increased by approximately 27–36% in H2O2 plus melatonin compared to H2O2 alone, and CaBP‐9k expression was augmented by treatment with H2O2 plus melatonin. These results suggest that the increase in cell survival and the melatonin‐induced CaBP‐9k expression may play a role in protecting cells against H2O2‐mediated cell death. This result is also consistent with the increase in CaBP‐9k expression leading to rises in p‐ERK and p‐Bad (S112). Over‐expression of CaBP‐9k caused an increase in p‐ERK. ERα expression was higher in H2O2 plus melatonin‐treated cells compared to those treated with H2O2 alone, while ERβ expression was not. Also, ERα in the nuclear fraction increased in the presence of melatonin and decreased in the presence of ICI 182 780 or ICI 182 780 plus melatonin. The relative binding affinity of ERα for melatonin was higher than that of ERβ, suggesting that melatonin has the potential to preferentially bind ERα. In conclusion, these results indicate that melatonin may increase CaBP‐9k expression through ERα.
The role of melatonin on gastric mucosal cell proliferation and telomerase activity in ageing
Authors: Akbulut K. Gonca , Gonul Bilge , Akbulut Hakan
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Despite antiproliferative effects of melatonin on cultured tumor cells, its effects on normal cells are less clear. The action of melatonin on telomerase activity in ageing of gastric mucosal tissues also is not known. In this study, we investigated the age‐related changes in telomerase activity and cellular proliferation rate of gastric mucosa and the effect of melatonin. A total of 37 young (4 months old), and aged (20 months old) Wistar rats, kept under equal periods of light and dark, were divided into control [(PBS), i.p. for 21 days] and melatonin‐treated (10 mg/kg melatonin, i.p. for 21 days) groups. Telomerase activity, cell proliferation rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels of the stomach were determined. Melatonin significantly inhibited the gastric mucosal proliferation rate of both young and aged rats. Telomerase activity was significantly reduced in aged rats compared to young animals. Melatonin significantly increased the telomerase activity of both young and aged rats. The MDA levels of gastric mucosa in the aged rats were significantly higher than those of the younger rats. On the contrary, the GSH levels of gastric mucosa of the aged group were significantly lower than that of the young rats. While melatonin had no effect on GSH levels of either young or aged rats, it significantly decreased the MDA levels in aged animals. In conclusion, melatonin may delay the ageing of gastric mucosa by inhibiting the replicative cellular senescence via its stimulatory effect on telomerase activity and suppressive effect on cellular proliferation and lipid peroxidation.
Different Mechanisms of Recognition and ER Retention by Transmembrane Transcription Factors CREB‐H and ATF6
Authors: Llarena Marta , Bailey Daniel , Curtis Helen , Hare Peter O’
Published: October 2009

CREB‐H and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) are transmembrane transcription factors that, in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, traffic to the Golgi where they are cleaved by specific proteases, producing the N‐terminal domains that effect appropriate transcriptional responses. We show that unlike in ATF6 whose lumenal tail binds BiP and contains determinants for stress sensing and Golgi transport, in CREB‐H the lumenal tail is not involved in ER retention, not required for Golgi transport and does not bind BiP. The main determinant for CREB‐H ER retention resides in a membrane‐proximal cytoplasmic determinant that is conserved in related members of the CREB‐H family, but lacking in ATF6. We refine requirements within the ER‐retention motif (ERM) and show that ERM‐ve variants exhibited constitutive Golgi localization and constitutive cleavage by the Golgi protease, S1P. The ERM also conferred ER retention on a heterologous protein. Furthermore, deletion of the lumenal tail of CREB‐H had no effect on ER retention of parental CREB‐H or Golgi localization of ERM‐ve variants. Importantly, when the lumenal tail of ATF6 was transferred into an ERM‐ve variant, the chimera was now retained in the ER. Together, these data demonstrate novel and qualitatively distinct mechanisms of trafficking and stress signalling in CREB‐H compared to ATF6.
Stoned
Authors: Phillips A. Marie , Ramaswami Mani , Kelly Leonard E.
Published: October 2009

The stoned proteins, stoned A (STNA) and stoned B (STNB), are essential for normal vesicle trafficking in Drosophila melanogaster neurons, and deletion of the stoned locus is lethal. Although there is a growing body of research aimed at defining the roles of these proteins, particularly for STNB where homologues have now been identified in all multicellular species, their functions and mechanisms of action are not yet established. The two proteins are structurally unrelated, consistent with two distinct cellular functions. The evidence suggests a critical requirement for stoned proteins in recycling/regulation or specification of a competent synaptic vesicle pool. As stoned proteins may be specific to a particular pathway of endocytosis, studies of their function are likely to be valuable in distinguishing between the different mechanisms of membrane retrieval and their respective contributions to synaptic vesicle recycling, a subject of considerable scientific debate. In this review, we examine the published literature on stoned and comment on the available data, conclusions from these analyses and how they may relate to alternative models of vesicle cycling.
Esthetic Rehabilitation of Maxillary Incisors in Conjunction with Flapless Surgical Techniques, an Implant Zirconia Crown, and Porcelain Veneers
Authors: MAHN DOUGLAS H. , POLACK MARIANO A.
Published: October 2009

Esthetic replacement of a maxillary central incisor using a dental implant can be a challenging task. The hard and soft tissues must be managed in a way that minimizes the risk of tissue loss, while preserving and/or regenerating full interdental papillae. In order to achieve this, flapless surgical techniques have been developed. Advances in dental materials have led to the introduction of zirconia abutments and crowns that can be synergistically combined with other ceramic materials. This article describes a case in which a hopeless maxillary central incisor is replaced with an implant using flapless techniques, and restored with a customized zirconia abutment and crown. In addition, the remaining maxillary incisors were restored with feldspathic porcelain veneers to yield a highly esthetic result.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This case demonstrates how a conservative multidisciplinary approach facilitates excellent results in an esthetically demanding area. Atraumatic surgical techniques can maintain the natural soft tissue architecture, while a detailed approach to provisional and final restorations allows for a highly esthetic smile.
Re‐anatomization of Anterior Eroded Teeth by Stratification with Direct Composite Resin
Authors: REIS ALESSANDRA , HIGASHI CRISTIAN , LOGUERCIO ALESSANDRO DOURADO
Published: October 2009

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acids are chronically regurgitated into the esophagus and oral cavity, resulting in the irreversible erosion of tooth structure. The dentist often is the first health care professional to identify the affected dentition. Restorative treatment should be accomplished after management of the systemic condition. Dental treatment improves the patient's oral hygiene, reduces thermal sensitivity, prevents pulpal involvement and further abrasion, and esthetics are improved. This article presents a case report where dental erosion was present because of GERD. Conservative dental treatment of the eroded dentition is described, including diagnosis, treatment planning, bleaching, and restorative reconstruction with direct composite layering techniques without any preparation of the tooth structure. After 1 year of clinical service, the restored teeth present an excellent clinical appearance and require no repair or polishing.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The treatment of eroded teeth, caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with direct composite resin appears to be a conservative and esthetic procedure that is well accepted by patients. However, this treatment can be carried out only after complete management of the causes of the GERD.
Clinical Trial Assessing Light Enhancement of In‐office Tooth Whitening
Authors: KUGEL GERARD , FERREIRA SUSANA , SHARMA SHRADHA , BARKER MATTHEW L. , GERLACH ROBERT W.
Published: October 2009

Objective:  Evaluate a light‐enhanced in‐office tooth whitening system in order to assess tooth color and safety.

Methods:  Thirty‐three adults were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Professional treatment involved application of a 25% H2O2 gel (Discus Dental ZOOM!) with light enhancement, H2O2 gel alone, or the light alone with no peroxide. The 12 anterior teeth were treated three times for 20 minutes each. Efficacy was measured objectively as L*a*b* color change using digital images, tooth shade was measured, and safety was evaluated immediately after treatment and at posttreatment days 7 and 30.

Results:  After adjusting for baseline and age, immediate (end‐of‐treatment) means (SE) for Δb* (yellowness) were –3.1 (0.25) for the gel + light, –2.0 (0.25) for the gel‐only group, and –2.4 (0.25) for the light‐only group. Significant (p < 0.05) color rebound was evident at posttreatment day 7. By day 30, adjusted means (SE)for Δb* were –1.7 (0.20) for the gel + light group, –1.1 (0.20) for the gel‐only group, and –0.5 (0.20) for the light‐only group. Both peroxide groups differed significantly (p < 0.05) from light alone on Δb* and ΔL*. In the gel + light group, 91% of subjects experienced tooth sensitivity, the majority of which was moderate or severe. Adverse events were low in the light‐only group.

Conclusion:  Use of light enhancement for in‐office whitening leads to immediate color change, after which there was significant color and shade rebound within 7 days as well as moderate‐to‐severe tooth sensitivity during and after treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Increased tooth sensitivity during treatment and appreciable short‐term color rebound after treatment may impact the utility of in‐office tooth whitening with peroxide and light as a stand‐alone esthetic procedure.
LONGEVITY OF RESIN BONDS TO DENTIN
Authors: Swift Jr. Edward J.
Published: October 2009

Much contemporary esthetic and restorative dentistry relies on bonding of resin‐based materials to tooth structure. Adhesion of resin materials to enamel has proved to be extremely strong and reliable since the concept was first introduced by Buonocore in 1955 and widely accepted by clinicians 20–25 years later. Enamel bonding is a simple and predictable process, because enamel presents a relatively homogeneous and largely inorganic substrate. Dentin, in contrast, is a heterogeneous tissue containing a large proportion of organic material and fluid, and is a difficult and variable substrate for bonding. Although clinically effective dentin adhesives have been available now for over 15 years, questions remain about the long‐term durability of resin bonds to dentin. This Critical Appraisal reviews some of the relevant literature on this topic.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Liability Survey: Inaccurate, Unfair, and Bad for Business
Authors: Eisenberg Theodore
Published: October 2009

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce uses its Survey of State Liability to criticize judiciaries and seek legal change but no detailed evaluation of the survey's quality exists. This article presents evidence that the survey is substantively inaccurate and methodologically flawed. It incorrectly characterizes state law; respondents provide less than 10 percent correct answers for objectively verifiable responses. It is internally inconsistent; a state threatened with judicial hellhole status ranked first in the survey while venues not on the list ranked lower. The absence of correlation between survey rankings and observable activity suggests that other factors drive the rankings. Two factors may help explain them. First, persistent low ranking of Gulf Coast states indicates that corporate counsel cannot shed hostility to states that were prominent in asbestos and tobacco litigation, notwithstanding changes in state laws. Second, low rankings of populous states suggest respondents fail to distinguish between rates of events and the absolute number of events. Adverse events in large states may occur more often but not necessarily at higher rates than in small states. The Chamber's uses of the survey fail to account for the sample design, fail to account for the same respondent rating multiple states, fail to account for industry effects, and fail to distinguish among respondents based on their knowledge of a state. The survey may discourage investment in the United States. and corporate risk managers' views suggest that the survey promotes corporate behavior that needlessly endangers the public.
Interaction of the alpha‐helical H6 peptide from the pro‐apoptotic protein tBid with cardiolipin
Authors: Petit Patrice X. , Dupaigne Pauline , Pariselli Fabrizio , Gonzalvez François , Etienne François , Rameau Carole , Bernard Sophie
Published: October 2009

BH3 interacting domain death agonist (Bid), a pro‐apoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 family of proteins, is activated through cleavage by caspase‐8. The active C‐terminal fragment of Bid (tBid) translocates to the mitochondria where it interacts with cardiolipins at contact sites and induces the release of cytochrome c by a mechanism that is not yet fully understood. It has been shown that the alpha‐helices αH6 and αH7 (which create the hairpin‐forming domain of tBid) mediate the insertion of Bid into mitochondrial membranes and are essential for the cytochrome c‐releasing activity. In the present study, we focused on the interaction between the αH6 and the mitochondrial membrane. By the use of single‐cell electropermeabilization associated with flow cytometric analysis of intact cells, we demonstrated that H6 is able to induce cell death when used in the micromolar range. We also studied the interactions of the αH6 with artificial monolayers. We showed that the presence of negatively charged cardiolipins greatly enhances the insertion of αH6 into the phospholipid monolayer. The modification of two charged amino acid residues in αH6 abolished its insertion and also its in vivo effects. Furthermore, the negative values of the excess areas of mixing indicate that attractive interactions between cardiolipins and αH6 occur in the mixed monolayers. Fluorescence microscopy observations revealed that αH6 significantly disrupts cardiolipin packing and stabilizes the fluid lipid phase. These results suggest that cardiolipins at the contact sites between the two mitochondrial membranes could mediate the binding of tBid via αH6.
The ubiquitin‐like protein monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor β conjugates to endophilin II and regulates phagocytosis
Authors: Nakamura Morihiko , Shimosaki Shunsuke
Published: October 2009

Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor β (MNSFβ) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the ubiquitin‐like family that has been implicated in various biological functions. Previous studies have demonstrated that MNSFβ covalently binds to the intracellular proapoptotic protein Bcl‐G in cells of the macrophage cell line Raw264.7, suggesting involvement of this ubiquitin‐like protein in apoptosis. In this study, we purified a 62 kDa MNSFβ adduct from murine liver lysates by sequential chromatography on DEAE and anti‐MNSFβ IgG‐conjugated Sepharose. MALDI‐TOF MS fingerprinting revealed that this MNSFβ adduct consists of an 8.5 kDa MNSFβ and endophilin II, a member of the endophilin A family. MNSFβ may conjugate to endophilin II with a linkage between the C‐terminal Gly74 and Lys294. We confirmed this result by immunoprecipitation/western blot studies. Endophilin II was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, although a truncated form was observed in liver. The 62 kDa MNSFβ–endophilin II was specifically expressed in liver and macrophages. Small interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown of endophilin II and/or MNSFβ promoted phagocytosis of zymosan in Raw264.7 cells. Conversely, cotransfection of endophilin II and MNSFβ cDNAs inhibited the phagocytosis of zymosan. Such inhibition was not observed in cells expressing a mutant of endophilin II in which Lys294 was replaced by arginine. These results suggest that the post‐translational modification of endophilin II by MNSFβ might be implicated in phagocytosis by macrophages.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7261558, MINT‐7261537, MINT‐7261546: MNSF beta (uniprotkb:P35545) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Endophilin‐2 (uniprotkb:Q62419) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins by overexpression of RBCC protein interacting with protein kinase C2, a splice variant of ubiquitin ligase RBCC protein interacting with protein kinase C1
Authors: Yoshimoto Nobuo , Tatematsu Kenji , Okajima Toshihide , Tanizawa Katsuyuki , Kuroda Shun’ichi
Published: October 2009

The nuclear–cytoplasmic shuttling protein RBCC protein interacting with protein kinase C1 (RBCK1) possesses transcriptional and ubiquitin ligase activities. We have recently reported that RBCC protein interacting with protein kinase C2 (RBCK2), a RING–in‐between‐RING fingers domain‐lacking splice variant of RBCK1, lacks transcriptional activity, but rather represses the RBCK1‐mediated transcriptional activity as a cytoplasmic tethering protein for RBCK1. In this study, we have found that RBCK2 overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells interacts with the polyubiquitin chain and the polyubiquitin‐interacting subunit S5a, and significantly increases the intracellular amount of polyubiquitinated proteins. These results strongly suggested that RBCK2 functions as an adaptor protein for the polyubiquitinated protein and the S5a subunit in 26S proteasome through its novel zinc finger motif and ubiquitin‐like domain, respectively, presumably delivering the polyubiquitinated proteins to the entrance of the 26S proteasome catalytic domain for degradation.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7261426: S5a (uniprotkb:P55036) binds (MI:0407) to Rbck1 (uniprotkb:Q62921) by pull down (MI:0096)

MINT‐7261435: S5a (uniprotkb:P55036) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Rbck1 (uniprotkb:Q62921) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

MINT‐7261448: S5a (uniprotkb:P55036) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Rbck1 (uniprotkb:Q62921) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT‐7261462: Rbck1 (uniprotkb:Q62921) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT‐7261503: S5a (uniprotkb:P55036) binds (MI:0407) to Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by pull down (MI:0096)

MINT‐7261477: Rbck1 (uniprotkb:Q62921) binds (MI:0407) to Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by pull down (MI:0096)
PSI1 is responsible for the stearic acid enrichment that is characteristic of phosphatidylinositol in yeast
Authors: Le Guédard Marina , Bessoule Jean‐Jacques , Boyer Valérie , Ayciriex Sophie , Velours Gisèle , Kulik Willem , Ejsing Christer S. , Shevchenko Andrej , Coulon Denis , Lessire René , Testet Eric
Published: October 2009

In yeast, both phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine are synthesized from cytidine diphosphate‐diacylglycerol. Because, as in other eukaryotes, phosphatidylinositol contains more saturated fatty acids than phosphatidylserine (and other phospholipids), it has been hypothesized that either phosphatidylinositol is synthesized from distinct cytidine diphosphate‐diacylglycerol molecules, or that, after its synthesis, it is modified by a hypothetical acyltransferase that incorporates saturated fatty acid into neo‐synthesized molecules of phosphatidylinositol. We used database search methods to identify an acyltransferase that could catalyze such an activity. Among the various proteins that we studied, we found that Psi1p (phosphatidylinositol stearoyl incorporating 1 protein) is required for the incorporation of stearate into phosphatidylinositol because GC and MS analyses of psi1Δ lipids revealed an almost complete disappearance of stearic (but not of palmitic acid) at the sn‐1 position of this phospholipid. Moreover, it was found that, whereas glycerol 3‐phosphate, lysophosphatidic acid and 1‐acyl lysophosphatidylinositol acyltransferase activities were similar in microsomal membranes isolated from wild‐type and psi1Δ cells, microsomal membranes isolated from psi1Δ cells are devoid of the sn‐2‐acyl‐1‐lysolysophosphatidylinositol acyltransferase activity that is present in microsomal membranes isolated from wild‐type cells. Moreover, after the expression of PSI1 in transgenic psi1Δ cells, the sn‐2‐acyl‐1‐lysolysophosphatidylinositol acyltransferase activity was recovered, and was accompanied by a strong increase in the stearic acid content of lysophosphatidylinositol. As previously suggested for phosphatidylinositol from animal cells (which contains almost exclusively stearic acid as the saturated fatty acid), the results obtained in the present study demonstrate that the existence of phosphatidylinositol species containing stearic acid in yeast results from a remodeling of neo‐synthesized molecules of phosphatidylinositol.
Antioxidant Activity of Limonene on Normal Murine Lymphocytes: Relation to H2O2 Modulation and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Roberto Davicino , Micucci Patricia , Sebastian Turner , Graciela Ferraro , Anesini Claudia
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Limonene is a monoterpene present in citrus fruit and is used as flavouring agents of foods. It was shown that monoterpenes possess antioxidant activity. Previously, it was demonstrated that limonene exerts anti‐proliferative action on a lymphoma cell line without modifying normal lymphocyte viability. H2O2 has a modulator role in cell proliferation. In the present study, the effect of limonene on normal lymphocytes proliferation and its relation with H2O2 level modulation was analysed, evaluating its effect on the activity of cell antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Limonene exerted a biphasic effect on cell proliferation; the increase in cell proliferation was related to the decrease in H2O2 level by the increase in catalase and peroxidase activities. Moreover, limonene protected the cells to the oxidative stress induced by exogenous addition of H2O2. In view of these results, it is possible that limonene could protect normal lymphocytes from diseases related to oxidative stress, including cancer, but further research is necessary to establish the role of limonene as a potential antioxidant that can effectively protect lymphocytes from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Furthering the Understanding of Parent–Child Relationships: A Nursing Scholarship Review Series. Part 2: Grasping the Early Parenting Experience—The Insider View
Authors: Lutz Kristin F. , Anderson Lori S. , Riesch Susan K. , Pridham Karen A. , Becker Patricia T.
Published: October 2009

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this integrative review is to systematically and critically synthesize nursing scholarship on parents' perspectives of the parent–child relationship during infancy.

CONCLUSION.  Research has shown that the process of establishing the parent–child relationship is highly individualized and complex. Numerous barriers and facilitators influencing this relationship have been identified that are relevant to nursing.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Nurses have an important opportunity to positively affect the developing parent–infant relationship. Screening parents for depression and providing parents with resources and support are key nursing interventions supporting the parent–infant relationship.
Circumcision Revisited
Authors: Provencio‐Vasquez Elias , Rodriguez Andres
Published: October 2009

Elias Provencio‐Vasquez and Andres Rodriguez Column Editor: Joseph P. De Santis

Collaborative Practice provides a forum for healthcare professionals to share expertise and enhance communication.
Phenotyping approaches for physiological breeding and gene discovery in wheat
Authors: Reynolds M. , Manes Y. , Izanloo A. , Langridge P.
Published: October 2009

Conceptual models of drought‐adaptive traits have been used in breeding to accumulate complementary physiological traits (PT) in selected progeny, resulting in distribution of advanced lines to rain‐fed environments worldwide by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). Key steps in PT breeding at CIMMYT include characterisation of crossing block lines for stress adaptive mechanisms, strategic crossing among parents that encompass as many target traits as possible and early generation selection (EGS) of bulks for canopy temperature (CT). The approach has been successful using both elite × elite crosses as well as three way crosses involving stress adapted landraces. Other EGS techniques that are amenable to high throughput include measurement of spectral reflectance indices and stomatal aperture‐related traits. Their genetic‐ and cost‐effectiveness are supported by realisation of genetic yield gains in response to trait selection, and by economic analysis, respectively. Continual reselection within restricted gene pools is likely to lead to diminishing returns, however, exotic parents can be used to introduce new allelic diversity. Examples include landraces from the primary gene pool, and products of inter‐specific hybridisation with the secondary gene pool consisting of closely related wheat genomes. Both approaches have been successful in introducing stress‐adaptive traits. The main problem with knowing which genetic resource to use in wide‐crossing is the uncertainty with which phenotypic expression can be extrapolated from one genome/genepool to another because of their unimproved or undomesticated genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, their PT expression can be measured and used as a basis for investing in crossing or wide crossing. Discovering the genetic basis of PT is highly complex because putative QTLs may interact with environment and genetic background, including genes of major effect. Detection of QTLs was improved in mapping populations where flowering time was controlled, while new mapping populations have been designed by screening potential parents that do not contrast in the Rht, Ppd and Vrn alleles. Association genetics mapping is another approach that can be employed for gene discovery using exclusively agronomically improved material, thereby minimising the probability of identifying yield QTLs whose alleles have been already improved by conventional breeding.
MICROBIOLOGICAL, PHYSICO‐CHEMICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL QUALITY OF TRADITIONAL TURKISH CHEESE DESSERTS
Authors: AYDIN ALI , AKSU HARUN , TASKANAL NEDIM , GUNSEN UGUR
Published: October 2009

A total of 100 fresh‐cheese‐based desserts (Hosmerim and Cheese helva) from nine different production areas in Marmara Region of Turkey were studied. There were no statistically significant differences in microbiological composition between Hosmerim and Cheese helva. Mean values of APC, Staphylococcus aureus, molds, yeasts, osmophilic yeasts for Hosmerim were 5.7 × 104, 8.0 × 102, 1.8 × 103, 2.8 × 103, 1.6 × 103 cfu/g, respectively, while coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus were <10 cfu/g. Results for Cheese helva were slightly higher. Salmonella spp. and staphylococcal enterotoxin were not detected in 25 g of any sample.

Cheese helva, however, had a significantly lower pH and significantly higher contents of protein, fat and carbohydrates, and thus, also a higher content of dry matter.

Within each product category, a large variation was observed for both microbiological counts as well as for the chemical composition. This indicates a lack of standardization in the manufacturing process and prompts for the establishment of appropriate process control measures.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and hygienic quality traits of traditional cheese desserts, namely Cheese helva and Hosmerim. For this purpose, 50 Cheese helva and 50 Hosmerim samples obtained from different regions in Turkey were analyzed on account of their microbiological, physico‐chemical and toxicological properties. The presence of some pathogens in the samples and the variable chemical composition indicate that the production process should be defined in “Codes of Good Manufacturing Practice” and the product characteristics should be codified in order to achieve a product with a defined level of microbiological safety.
Assessing postprandial glucose using 1,5‐anhydroglucitol: An integrative literature review
Authors: Christensen Brian Lee , Williams Mary
Published: October 2009

Purpose: Recent studies have determined postprandial blood glucose is an independent risk factor for macrovascular complications. This risk exists, despite having HbA1C results within acceptable ranges for diabetes. 1,5‐Anhydroglucitol (1,5AG) has been proposed as an appropriate indicator to detect and screen for postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). This review discusses the efficacy of 1,5AG to predict PPHG in order to reveal those who may be at risk for macrovascular complications.

Data Sources: An electronic search was conducted from 2003 to 2008 in the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Pre‐CINAHL. Any articles relating to 1,5AG as a marker for PPHG were used. The search was limited to any human research articles published in English. All articles were reviewed for additional relevant studies.

Conclusions: 1,5AG was found to be a reliable indicator of PPHG, even when HbA1C levels were within target ranges. 1,5AG may be a simple and effective tool for primary care providers to identify those at risk for macrovascular complications, who would otherwise go unnoticed if assessed by HbA1C alone.
Patient satisfaction with retail health clinic care
Authors: Hunter Lauren P. , Weber Charles E. , Morreale Anthony P. , Wall James H.
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To analyze patient satisfaction with care provided at two retail clinics by family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and physician assistants (PAs). To analyze patient characteristics and preferences of those patients seeking care at two retail clinics.

Data Sources: Anonymous, voluntary, self‐report surveys completed by patient, or parents of minor patients, in one of two medical retail clinics located in grocery stores in Arizona between May 2006 and July 2007.

Conclusions: We found that clients with varied incomes and different ethnicities valued the same attributes of retail health clinic care as those found in initial studies: convenient location, no appointment necessary, short wait time, and low cost.

Implications for Practice: The high degree of patient satisfaction found for retail health clinic care indicates that this type of entrepreneurial primary health care will continue to increase in numbers. Retail health clinics are a viable source of employment for FNPs.
Scn3b knockout mice exhibit abnormal sino‐atrial and cardiac conduction properties
Authors: Hakim P. , Brice N. , Thresher R. , Lawrence J. , Zhang Y. , Jackson A. P. , Grace A. A. , Huang C. L.‐H.
Published: October 2009

Aim:  In contrast to extensive reports on the roles of Nav1.5 α‐subunits, there have been few studies associating the β‐subunits with cardiac arrhythmogenesis. We investigated the sino‐atrial and conduction properties in the hearts of Scn3b−/− mice.

Methods:  The following properties were compared in the hearts of wild‐type (WT) and Scn3b−/− mice: (1) mRNA expression levels of Scn3b, Scn1b and Scn5a in atrial tissue. (2) Expression of the β3 protein in isolated cardiac myocytes. (3) Electrocardiographic recordings in intact anaesthetized preparations. (4) Bipolar electrogram recordings from the atria of spontaneously beating and electrically stimulated Langendorff‐perfused hearts.

Results:  Scn3b mRNA was expressed in the atria of WT but not Scn3b−/− hearts. This was in contrast to similar expression levels of Scn1b and Scn5a mRNA. Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that the β3 protein was expressed in WT and absent in Scn3b−/− cardiac myocytes. Lead I electrocardiograms from Scn3b−/− mice showed slower heart rates, longer P wave durations and prolonged PR intervals than WT hearts. Spontaneously beating Langendorff‐perfused Scn3b−/− hearts demonstrated both abnormal atrial electrophysiological properties and evidence of partial or complete dissociation of atrial and ventricular activity. Atrial burst pacing protocols induced atrial tachycardia and fibrillation in all Scn3b−/− but hardly any WT hearts. Scn3b−/− hearts also demonstrated significantly longer sinus node recovery times than WT hearts.

Conclusion:  These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that a deficiency in Scn3b results in significant atrial electrophysiological and intracardiac conduction abnormalities, complementing the changes in ventricular electrophysiology reported on an earlier occasion.
Cachexia secondary to intracranial anaplastic (malignant) ependymoma in a boxer dog
Authors: Borrelli A. , Mattiazzi L. , Capucchio M. T. , Biolatti C. , Cagnasso A. , Gianella P. , D'Angelo A.
Published: October 2009

An eight‐year‐old female boxer was referred because of weight loss of several months' duration. On physical examination, cachexia was the only reported abnormality. Neurological symptoms were shown only in the last days preceding death and consisted of altered mental status, compulsive behaviour and left rear proprioception deficit. At post‐mortem examination, a voluminous, soft, haemorrhagic mass was found invading the floor of the brain. Based on the morphological features of the tumour, marked parenchymal invasion, extensive necrosis and cellular atypia, the mass was classified as an anaplastic ependymoma. This case report shows similarities to the diencephalic syndrome reported in human paediatric medicine in which the main clinical sign is a profound emaciation in spite of normal or slightly diminished caloric intake. Weight loss and cachexia are clinically relevant problems in small animals and these clinical signs should raise a suspicion, among the other differentials, of a brain tumour, even in absence of neurologic signs.
Necrotising fasciitis due to Prevotella bivia in a cat
Authors: Hess Michal O.
Published: October 2009

A 15‐year‐old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for an acute onset of jaw swelling and anorexia. A small area of skin discoloration, left mandibular subcutaneous soft swelling and dehydration were noted on physical examination. Fine needle aspirate findings of the mass were compatible with an abscess. After 8 hours of supportive and antimicrobial treatment, a large area of necrotic skin was noted. The cat was taken to surgery and an aggressive debridement was performed. The histopathology findings were compatible with necrotising fasciitis and dermatitis.