bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis-inducing effect of erlotinib is potentiated by 3,3′-diindolylmethane in vitro and in vivo using an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ali Shadan , Banerjee Sanjeev , Ahmad Aamir , El-Rayes Bassel F. , Philip Philip A. , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: June 2008

Blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors is insufficient for effective antitumor activity because of independently activated survival pathways. A multitargeted approach may therefore improve the outcome of anti-EGFR therapies. In the present study, we determined the effects of 3,3′-diindolylmethane (Bioresponse BR-DIM referred to as B-DIM), a formulated DIM with greater bioavailability on cell viability and apoptosis with erlotinib in vitro and in vivo using an orthotopic animal tumor model. BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa cells with varying levels of EGFR and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity were treated with B-DIM (20 μmol/L), erlotinib (2 μmol/L), and the combination. Cell survival and apoptosis was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and histone-DNA ELISA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to evaluate NF-κB DNA-binding activity. We found significant reduction in cell viability by both 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and clonogenic assays, induction of apoptosis, down-regulation of EGFR phosphorylation, NF-κB DNA-binding activity, and expression of antiapoptotic genes in BxPC-3 cells when treated with the combination of erlotinib and B-DIM compared with either agent alone. In contrast, no such effect was observed in MIAPaCa cells by similar treatment. Most importantly, these in vitro results were recapitulated in animal model showing that B-DIM in combination with erlotinib was much more effective as an antitumor agent compared with either agent alone. These results suggest that the utilization of B-DIM could be a useful strategy for achieving better treatment outcome in patients with activated status of EGFR and NF-κB in their tumors. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(6):1708–19]
Beyond Drinking: Differential Effects of Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors on Alcohol-Related Adverse Consequences across European Countries
Authors: Kuendig Hervé , Plant Moira L. , Plant Martin A. , Kuntsche Sandra , Miller Patrick , Gmel Gerhard
Published: June 2008

Background/Aims: Evidence underlines the importance of drinking patterns and individual characteristics in experiencing adverse alcohol-related consequences; however, little research has been conducted to explore who does and who does not experience consequences with similar drinking patterns. Using data from seven European countries, this study assesses the association between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and six adverse consequences. Methods: Conditional logistic regression models were estimated, cases (experiencing a consequence) being matched to controls (not experiencing the consequence) by drinking patterns. Results: In general, protective effects with increasing age and being in a partnership were consistent. Gender effects were mixed, but mainly protective for women. Educational achievement and economic status showed consistent effects across countries, but different directions of effect across consequences. Consequences mostly associated with individual drinking pattern (injury, blackout, and loss of control over drinking) exhibited similar patterns of associations, but varying ones arose for consequences additionally influenced by societal reaction to drinking (guilt, role failure, and pressure to cut down drinking). Conclusion: Differences in strengths and directions of effects across consequences pointed to the possibility that the reporting of adverse consequences is not only influenced by alcohol consumption, but also by attributional processes related to demographic and socioeconomic statuses.
New Insights on the Olfactory Lobe of Decapod Crustaceans
Authors: Ammar Dib , Nazari Evelise Maria , Rauh Müller Yara Maria , Allodi Silvana
Published: June 2008

Studies on the crustacean nervous system have been responsible for advances in neuroscience and continue to play an important role in comparative neurobiology. The organization of crustacean brains provides clues about their phylogeny and might also offer some hints regarding their lifestyles. In this study, we compared the organization of specific brain regions of three species of marine shrimp with two species of freshwater prawns, making possible the identification of a pathway issuing from the periphery and cluster 9, which was not previously identified in freshwater prawns and shrimp. Although the brains of the species studied show the same general organization of other crustaceans, variations in the structural organization of the olfactory lobe, evidenced by different immuno-markers, were observed between shrimp species and prawns. In contrast to shrimp, the more well-defined organization of the olfactory lobe in freshwater prawns might reflect greater integration in the processing of olfactory information. Also, in freshwater prawns we described fibers organized as a tract similar to the deutocerebral commissure.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of MMP-2 Gene in Stroke Subtypes
Authors: Fatar Marc , Stroick Mark , Steffens Michael , Senn Eva , Reuter Bjoern , Bukow Simone , Griebe Martin , Alonso Angelika , Lichtner Peter , Bugert Peter , Meitinger Thomas , Wienker Thomas F. , Hennerici Michael G.
Published: June 2008

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are expressed after ischemic stroke. These proteases are responsible for a higher incidence of hemorrhages, are correlated to size of infarction and influence the effects of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment. We therefore evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of MMP-2 in different subtypes of stroke patients in an association study using a case-control design. Methods: 197 stroke patients were divided according to modified TOAST criteria (small vessel disease, large vessel disease, hemorrhagic stroke and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis) and compared to 143 controls. Clinical data like age, sex, risk factors and diagnostic results including MRI or cranial CT scans and ultrasound evaluations of intra- and extracranial arteries were obtained. Genotypes of MMP-2 (12 SNP) were compared to controls and DNA samples were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed for small vessel disease to test for interactions between markers and defined clinical risk factors. Additionally, MMP-2 serum levels obtained in the first 24 h after stroke were measured. Results: From the MMP-2 gene, 5 markers (rs1030868, rs2241145, rs2287074, rs2287076, rs7201) showed a significant association with small vessel infarcts (p < 0.05) and rs7201:g.C was identified as an independent risk factor by multivariable logistic regression analysis. MMP-2 protein levels were significantly lower in this group (174 ± 48 ng/dl) versus controls (214 ± 56 ng/dl). For other stroke subtypes, no significant association with MMP-2 SNP could be found. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates an association of the MMP-2 gene with the development of lacunar stroke, and no association of MMP-2 with other stroke subtypes.
Genetic Enhancement of Stem Cell Engraftment, Survival, and Efficacy
Authors: Penn Marc S. , Mangi Abeel A.
Published: June 2008

Cell-based therapies for the prevention and treatment of cardiac dysfunction offer the potential to significantly modulate cardiac function and improve outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. To date several clinical studies have suggested the potential efficacy of several different stem cell types; however, the benefits seen in clinical trials have been inconsistent and modest. In parallel, preclinical studies have identified key events in the process of cell-based myocardial repair, including stem cell homing, engraftment, survival, paracrine factor release, and differentiation that need to be optimized to maximize cardiac repair and function. The inconsistent and modest benefits seen in clinical trials combined with the preclinical identification of mediators responsible for key events in cell-based cardiac repair offers the potential for cell-based therapy to advance to cell-based gene therapy in an attempt to optimize these key events in the hope of maximizing clinical benefit. Below we discuss potential key events in cardiac repair and the mediators of these events that could be of potential interest for genetic enhancement of stem cell–based cardiac repair.
To Bet or Not to Bet? The Error Negativity or Error-related Negativity Associated with Risk-taking Choices
Authors: Yu Rongjun , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: June 2008

The functional significance of error-related negativity (Ne/ERN), which occurs at approximately the same time as erroneous responses, has been investigated extensively using reaction time (RT) tasks. The error detection theory assumes that the Ne/ERN reflects the mismatch detected by comparing representations of the intended and the actually performed actions. The conflict monitoring theory asserts that the Ne/ERN reflects the detection of response conflict between intended and actually performed actions during response selection. In this study, we employed a gambling task in which participants were required to choose whether they would take part in betting in each trial and they were presented with gain or loss feedback in both the “to bet” and the “not to bet” trials. The response-locked ERP magnitudes were more negative for “to bet” than for “not to bet” choices for both large and small stakes and were more negative for choices involving large rather than small stakes. Dipole source analysis localized the ERP responses to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). These findings suggest that the ACC signals the riskiness of choices and may function as an early warning system that alerts the brain to prepare for the potential negative consequence associated with a risky action.
Electrophysiological Indices of Target and Distractor Processing in Visual Search
Authors: Hickey Clayton , Di Lollo Vincent , McDonald John J.
Published: June 2008

Attentional selection of a target presented among distractors can be indexed with an event-related potential (ERP) component known as the N2pc. Theoretical interpretation of the N2pc has suggested that it reflects a fundamental mechanism of attention that shelters the cortical representation of targets by suppressing neural activity stemming from distractors. Results from fields other than human electrophysiology, however, suggest that attention does not act solely through distractor suppression; rather, it modulates the processing of both target and distractors. We conducted four ERP experiments designed to investigate whether the N2pc reflects multiple attentional mechanisms. Our goal was to reconcile ostensibly conflicting outcomes obtained in electrophysiological studies of attention with those obtained using other methodologies. Participants viewed visual search arrays containing one target and one distractor. In Experiments 1 through 3, the distractor was isoluminant with the background, and therefore, did not elicit early lateralized ERP activity. This work revealed a novel contralateral ERP component that appears to reflect direct suppression of the cortical representation of the distractor. We accordingly name this component the distractor positivity (PD). In Experiment 4, an ERP component associated with target processing was additionally isolated. We refer to this component as the target negativity (NT). We believe that the N2pc reflects the summation of the PD and NT, and that these discrete components may have been confounded in earlier electrophysiological studies. Overall, this study demonstrates that attention acts on both target and distractor representations, and that this can be indexed in the visual ERP.
Retrieval Processes Supporting Judgments of Recency
Authors: Grove Kerrie L. , Wilding Edward L.
Published: June 2008

The circumstances under which different retrieval processes can support judgments about how long ago events occurred remain a matter of debate, as do the ways in which retrieved information can be employed in support of such judgments. In order to contribute to an understanding of the nature and number of distinct retrieval processes that support time judgments, event-related potentials (ERPs) were acquired during a continuous verbal memory task, where the lag between presentation and re-presentation of words was varied. Participants made judgments of recency (JORs), indicating the number of words that had intervened between presentation and re-presentation. Two spatially and temporally separable ERP effects predicted JORs, and the two effects bore correspondences with ERP modulations that have been linked to the processes of recollection and familiarity, suggesting that both of these processes contributed to JORs. The two effects predicting recency judgments also did so in the same way, with larger effects uniformly predicting shorter lag judgments. In so far as the sizes of the effects index memory strength, these findings are consistent with theoretical accounts of JORs where strength is employed heuristically: The more information recovered, the more recently the event occurred.
On the Analysis of Mean Downward Velocities around the Antarctic Polar Vortex
Authors: Miyazaki Kazuyuki , Iwasaki Toshiki
Published: June 2008

The Lagrangian characteristics of vertical motions around the Antarctic polar vortex are investigated using a general circulation model (GCM) and various analysis methods. A trace analysis that estimated the vertical velocity from the vertical displacement of tracer isopleths confirmed that using zonal means at geographical latitudes gives a Lagrangian mean circulation around the Antarctic polar vortex similar to that computed using equivalent latitudes. In the mass-weighted isentropic zonal means, the mean vertical velocity dynamically estimated from the meridional velocity shows strong downward motion outside the Antarctic polar vortex around 45°–55°S in the lower stratosphere, which is consistent with the thermodynamically estimated values from the diabatic heating rate. In comparison, the transformed Eulerian mean analysis tends to overestimate the downward velocity outside the Antarctic polar vortex and underestimate it inside the Antarctic polar vortex. Trace analysis produces a good approximation of the dynamical estimate inside the Antarctic polar vortex, but it does not capture the strong downward velocity outside the vortex because of active horizontal mixing. If eddy mixing effects are included in the mean-meridional transport equation, the trace analysis agrees well with the dynamical estimate. The mean downward motion outside the Antarctic polar vortex causes adiabatic heating and contributes to the formation of the polar night jet stream from the lower to middle stratosphere through the thermal wind balance. Analysis of the mean vertical velocities in reanalysis products (assimilations) is very noisy compared to that from free running models because of dynamical inconsistencies caused by the assimilation process.
GRACE-Based Estimates of Terrestrial Freshwater Discharge from Basin to Continental Scales
Authors: Syed Tajdarul H. , Famiglietti James S. , Chambers Don P.
Published: June 2008

In this study, new estimates of monthly freshwater discharge from continents, drainage regions, and global land for the period of 2003–05 are presented. The method uses observed terrestrial water storage change estimates from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and reanalysis-based atmospheric moisture divergence and precipitable water tendency in a coupled land–atmosphere water mass balance. The estimates of freshwater discharge are analyzed within the context of global climate and compared with previously published estimates. Annual cycles of observed streamflow exhibit stronger correlations with the computed discharge compared to those with precipitation minus evapotranspiration (P − E) in several of the world’s largest river basins. The estimate presented herein of the mean monthly discharge from South America (∼846 km3 month−1) is the highest among the continents and that flowing into the Atlantic Ocean (∼1382 km3 month−1) is the highest among the drainage regions. The volume of global freshwater discharge estimated here is 30 354 ± 1212 km3 yr−1. Monthly variations of global freshwater discharge peak between August and September and reach a minimum in February. Global freshwater discharge is also computed using a global ocean–atmosphere mass balance in order to validate the land–atmosphere water balance estimates and as a measure of global water budget closure. Results show close proximity between the two estimates of global discharge at monthly (RMSE = 329 km3 month−1) and annual time scales (358 km3 yr−1). Results and comparisons to observations indicate that the method shows important potential for global-scale monitoring of combined surface water and submarine groundwater discharge at near-real time, as well as for contributing to contemporary global water balance studies and for constraining global hydrologic model simulations.
Efficacy of venlafaxine compared with tricyclic antidepressants in depressive disorder: a meta-analysis
Authors: van den Broek WW , Mulder PGH , van Os E , Birkenhäger TK , Pluijms E , Bruijn JA
Published: June 2008

Abstract

With respect to the pharmacological characteristic, venlafaxine is comparable with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and venlafaxine might be comparable in efficacy. We performed a systematic review investigating the relative efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine compared with TCAs (imipramine, clomipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline and desipramine). Relevant double-blind randomised trials were identified from systematic searches of electronic databases. An exact analysis of the estimated odds ratios of response of the TCA relative to venlafaxine showed no overall significance of treatment effect ( P = 0.38). The odds ratios were not homogenous across studies ( P = 0.0213). The average dose of venlafaxine was 103.5 mg/day and for the TCA 106.1 mg/day. An exact analysis of the estimated odds ratios of the withdrawals and side effects in the trials with a TCA relative to venlafaxine showed no overall significance of withdrawal. From our review, no significant difference in treatment effect between low dose of both venlafaxine and the TCAs could be found. In our opinion, because of the heterogeneity of the odds ratios, one cannot conclude that they are of equal efficacy.
Rapid dose-dependent effect of clozapine on a schizophrenic patient’s lipid profile
Authors: Chiang HL , Liu CC , Hwang TJ
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Clozapine is known to be associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidaemia, but the mechanisms of such a relationship are still under debate. The case we reported shows a seemingly dose-dependent effect of clozapine on a patient’s lipid profiles with no influence on his blood sugar in a relatively short period of time. A direct effect of clozapine on lipid metabolism, independent of insulin or obesity-related metabolic changes, is suggested. The rapid effect of clozapine on lipid profile allows fine-tuning in dose adjustment while treating refractory schizophrenia complicated with drug-related dyslipidaemia but worrying about psychotic rebound during clozapine discontinuation.
Long-term treatment with flupentixol results of a post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Messer T , Glaser T , Landen H , Schmauss M
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Schizophrenia is one of the most expensive illnesses. Antipsychotics are an essential component of the acute and preventative treatment of this illness, and long-term treatment is necessary to decrease the risk of psychotic relapse. The efficacy and tolerability of flupentixol was evaluated in a post-marketing surveillance study (PMS) in schizophrenic patients receiving long-term treatment in routine clinical practice. Psychiatrists in office practice treated patients for approximately 10 weeks, with a subsequent follow-up period of up to 18 months. We here report on the follow-up period in 128 patients. The benefit for schizophrenic patients increased with the treatment duration of flupentixol as documented by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Subjective quality of life improved during the first study period, and this remained stable in the follow-up period. No increase in body weight was observed during the study. The relapse rate was much lower than in other studies. Anticholinergic medication was necessary for 22.7% of the patients at any time. More than 70% of the psychiatrists involved evaluated the treatment as very good or good. The results of this study suggest that flupentixol is a potent and safe antipsychotic for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia in routine clinical practice.
Neuroendocrine and subjective responses to pharmacological challenge with citalopram: a controlled study in male and female ecstasy/MDMA users
Authors: Allott K , Canny BJ , Broadbear JH , Stepto NK , Murphy B , Redman J
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Despite evidence that ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) causes persistent alterations to the serotonergic system of animals, evidence for long-term neurological effects of ecstasy/MDMA in humans remains equivocal. The current study assessed serotonin functioning of nine male and 11 female recreational ecstasy polydrug users by measuring neuroendocrine (prolactin, cortisol) responses to pharmacological challenge with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram, compared with nine male and five female cannabis polydrug users and 11 male and 11 female non-drug using controls. A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled design was used. Subjective responses, other substance use, mood, personality traits and demographic variables were measured to control for potentially confounding variables. There were no significant differences between ecstasy polydrug users, cannabis polydrug users and non-drug using controls in neuroendocrine or subjective responses to serotonergic challenge, and there were no sex by drug group interactions. There was no relationship between extent of ecstasy use and neuroendocrine functioning, alone or in combination with potential confounding variables. Subjective responses to the pharmacological challenge (nausea, tremor, dry mouth), novelty seeking and lifetime dose of alcohol were the only variables that contributed to one or more of the neuroendocrine outcome variables. These data do not support the premise that recreational ecstasy/MDMA use results in measurable impairment of serotonergic control of endocrine activity.
Limits of meta-analysis: methylphenidate in the treatment of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Koesters M , Becker T , Kilian R , Fegert JM , Weinmann S
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Guidelines for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults advocate methylphenidate as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of methylphenidate treatment of adult ADHD and to examine the influence of methods on meta-analytic results. Electronic databases were searched to identify clinical trials comparing methylphenidate with placebo in the treatment of adult ADHD. Studies were summarised with meta-analytic methods. Subgroup analyses were conducted with respect to parallel group versus cross-over trials and self versus observer ratings. The relationship between dosage and effect size was explored by weighted regression analysis. The results were tested for publication bias, and several sensitivity analyses were performed. Findings and methods were compared with a previous meta-analysis. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria of which 16 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size (d = 0.42) was significantly different from zero, but was only half the size expected on the basis of a previous meta-analysis. No significant differences could be observed in the subgroup analyses. The regression analysis showed no significant influence of mean daily dose on effect size. These results contradict findings of a previous meta-analysis and challenge guideline recommendations. Methodological issues in meta-analyses are discussed.
State Part C Agency Practices and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
Authors: Stahmer Aubyn C. , Thorp Sutton Danielle , Fox Lise , Leslie Laurel K.
Published: June 2008

Each year nearly 900,000 cases of child abuse and neglect are substantiated in the United States, with the highest rates of maltreatment occurring among infants and toddlers. Children exposed to maltreatment are at increased risk of developmental delay. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act specifies that children under age 3 with substantiated cases of abuse or neglect must have access to early intervention under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This research examines state practices developed by Part C agencies in response to new regulations. Part C agency representatives provided input on referrals, screening, evaluation, services, and tracking methods through a semistructured survey. Results indicate a need for standardized referral processes, increased agency understanding of consent procedures for children in foster care, coordination of routine screenings between child welfare and Part C, cross-agency training, and the development of tracking databases. Specific recommendations are provided.
Concentration and age-dependent elimination kinetics of polychlorinated dibenzofurans in Yucheng and Yusho patients
Authors: Leung HW , Kerger BD , Paustenbach DJ , Ryan JJ , Masuda Y
Published: June 2008

Half-life estimates of three polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) were calculated using serial blood samples collected over a 15 to 19-year period. Blood fat PCDFs were modeled in eight individuals who were exposed to contaminated rice oil in Japan (Yusho, n = 5) and in Taiwan (Yucheng, n = 3). The elimination kinetics of PCDFs were concentration-dependent, with faster rates observed at higher concentrations and the apparent transition to slower rates occurring at about 1–3 ppb. Average half-lives of 1.1, 2.3, and 1.5 years above the transition concentration and 7.2, 5.7, and 3.5 years below it were estimated for 2,3,4,7,8-pentaCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexaCDF, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaCDF, respectively. A positive linear correlation of half-life with age was observed for the combined group, with a rate of increase of 0.19, 0.12, and 0.05-year half-life per year of increase in age for penta-, hexa-, and hepta-CDF, respectively. The distinctly younger Yucheng patients exhibited far lower variability in half-lives and age-related trends that were quite consistent with the corresponding data on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) for younger persons exposed in the Seveso incident. These age- and concentration-dependent half-lives for PCDFs may have important risk assessment implications for estimating body burdens. The current study provides limited additional evidence that PCDFs, like TCDD, are more rapidly eliminated in younger individuals.
Effects of formaldehyde and xylene on CD4- and CD8-positive T cells in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue in rats
Authors: Sandikci M , Eren U , Kum S
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the localization and number of CD4- and CD8-positive T lymphocytes in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) of the embryos and newborns or young and adult rats exposed to formaldehyde (6 ppm), technical xylene (300 ppm), or a combination of these two agents (3 ppm + 150 ppm) for 6 weeks (8 h/day). A total of 96 female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The CD4-positive cells were localized predominately in area under the epithelium and in the periphery of BALT follicles after the exposure period. However, CD8-positive cells were localized mainly in the periphery of BALT follicles after the exposure period. The number of CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocytes significantly increased in exposed young and adult rats compared to the respective controls. These results suggest that formaldehyde and/or xylene may affect the local immunity in BALT particularly in young and adult rats.
The protective roles of some lichen species on colloidal bismuth subcitrate genotoxicity
Authors: Geyikoglu F , Turkez H , Aslan A
Published: June 2008

Medicinal plants are increasingly being projected as suitable alternative source for the treatment of various diseases. However, toxic effects resulting from therapeutic bismuth compounds are still documented in animals and humans. This study described the genetic effects of five common lichen species and compared their activities on the genotoxicity induced by the colloidal bismuth subcitrate. After the application of colloidal bismuth subcitrate and lichen extracts, separate and together, human whole blood cultures were assessed by sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus tests. According to our results, the frequencies of SCE and micronucleus rate in peripheral lymphocytes were significantly increased by colloidal bismuth subcitrate (at dose 5 μg/mL) compared with controls. However, lichen extracts had no genotoxic effect. The order of anti-genotoxicity efficacy against colloidal bismuth subcitrate was Pseudevernia furfuracea, Dermotocarpon intestiniforme, Ramalina capitata, Parmelia pulla, respectively. However, Rhizoplaca melanophthalma did not show any effect against colloidal bismuth subcitrate genotoxicity. Present findings showed that the protective roles of lichens studied were dose related. In conclusion, this is the first study report describing the therapeutic potential of lichens against drug genotoxicity in human blood.
Effects of in utero JP-8 jet fuel exposure on the immune systems of pregnant and newborn mice
Authors: Harris DT , Sakiestewa D , He X , Titone D , Witten M
Published: June 2008

The US Air Force has implemented the widespread use of JP-8 jet fuel in its operations, although a thorough understanding of its potential effects upon exposed personnel is unclear. Previous work has reported that JP-8 exposure is immunosuppressive. In the present study, the effects of in-utero JP-8 jet fuel exposure in mice were examined to ascertain any potential effects of jet fuel exposure on female personnel and their offspring. Exposure by the aerosol route (at 1000 mg/mm3 for 1 h/day; similar to exposures incurred by flight line personnel) commencing during the first (d7 to birth) or last (d15 to birth) trimester of pregnancy was analyzed. It was observed that even 6–8 weeks after the last jet fuel exposure that the immune system of the dams (mother of newborn mice) was affected (in accordance with previous reports on normal mice). That is, thymus organ weights and viable cell numbers were decreased, and immune function was depressed. A decrease in viable male offspring was found, notably more pronounced when exposure started during the first trimester of pregnancy. Regardless of when jet fuel exposure started, all newborn mice (at 6–8 weeks after birth) reported significant immunosuppression. That is, newborn pups displayed decreased immune organ weights, decreased viable immune cell numbers and suppressed immune function. When the data were analyzed in relation to the respective mothers of the pups the data were more pronounced. Although all jet fuel-exposed pups were immunosuppressed as compared with control pups, male offspring were more affected by jet fuel exposure than female pups. Furthermore, the immune function of the newborn mice was directly correlated to the immune function of their respective mothers. That is, mothers showing the lowest immune function after JP-8 exposure gave birth to pups displaying the greatest effects of jet fuel exposure on immune function. Mothers who showed the highest levels of immune function after in-utero JP-8 exposure gave birth to pups displaying levels of immune function similar to controls animals that had the lowest levels of immune function. These data indicated that a genetic component might be involved in determining immune responses after jet fuel exposure. Overall, the data showed that in-utero JP-8 jet fuel exposure had long-term detrimental effects on newborn mice, particularly on the viability and immune competence of male offspring.
A comparison of methods for estimating the random effects distribution of a linear mixed model
Authors: Ghidey Wendimagegn , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Verbeke Geert
Published: June 2008

This article reviews various recently suggested approaches to estimate the random effects distribution in a linear mixed model, i.e. (1) the smoothing by roughening approach of Shen and Louis,1 (2) the semi-non-parametric approach of Zhang and Davidian,2 (3) the heterogeneity model of Verbeke and Lesaffre 3 and (4) a flexible approach of Ghidey et al.4 These four approaches are compared via an extensive simulation study. We conclude that for the considered cases, the approach of Ghidey et al.4 often shows to have the smallest integrated mean squared error for estimating the random effects distribution. An analysis of a longitudinal dental data set illustrates the performance of the methods in a practical example.
Use of disease risk scores in pharmacoepidemiologic studies
Authors: Arbogast Patrick G , Ray Wayne A
Published: June 2008

Automated databases are increasingly used in pharmacoepidemiologic studies. These databases include records of prescribed medications and encounters with medical care providers from which one can construct very detailed surrogate measures for both drug exposure and covariates that are potential confounders. Often it is possible to track day-by-day changes in these variables. However, while this information is often critical for study success, its volume can pose challenges for statistical analysis. One common approach is the use of propensity scores. An alternative approach is to construct a disease risk score. This is analogous to the propensity score in that it calculates a summary measure from the covariates. However, the disease risk score estimates the probability or rate of disease occurrence conditional on being unexposed. The association between exposure and disease is then estimated adjusting for the disease risk score in place of the individual covariates. This review describes the use of disease risk scores in pharmacoepidemiologic studies, and includes a brief discussion of their history, a more detailed description of their construction and use, a summary of simulation studies comparing their performance vis-á-vis traditional models, a comparison of their utility with that of propensity scores, and some further topics for future research.
Measuring the Global Footprint of an MBA
Authors: Alon Ilan , McAllaster Craig M.
Published: June 2008

This article discusses the concept that is termed the global footprint as a measure of a university’s internationalization efforts along multiple dimensions. A university’s globalization is multidimensional and includes students, faculty, and curricula. In this article, the authors demonstrate their conceptualization of the global footprint, discuss best practices in the field, and show readers how they may want to use the authors’ model to shape their internationalization strategies. In summary, they develop the global footprint model for universities, and explain this model using MBA business education as an example.
“It’s So Much Easier to Go with What’s Easy”
Authors: Peacock Nicola , Harrison Neil
Published: June 2008

A recent aspect of U.K. higher education has been the internationalisation of university campuses, driven by a rapid increase in student numbers from overseas and growing pressure to prepare all students for global careers. It is often assumed by policy makers that the benefits of an internationalised university will include opportunities for enhancing cultural awareness and capability among U.K. students, with contact with other cultures helping to foster a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. This article reports initial findings from two English universities which suggests that U.K. students instinctively take a strategic approach to cross-cultural interaction based on perceptions of cultural proximity and comfort. Although U.K. students do appear to identify some of the gains predicted by policy-makers, these are often low level, incidental, and unconnected to wider learning. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that data collection and analysis has been hindered by a strong taboo around discussions of diversity.
Application of the PRECEDE Model to Understanding Mental Health Promoting Behaviors in Hong Kong
Authors: Mo Phoenix K. H. , Mak Winnie W. S.
Published: June 2008

The burdens related to mental illness have been increasingly recognized in many countries. Nevertheless, research in positive mental health behaviors remains scarce. This study utilizes the Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Causes in Education Diagnosis and Evaluation (PRECEDE) model to identify factors associated with mental health promoting behaviors and to examine the effects of these behaviors on mental well-being and quality of life among 941 adults in Hong Kong. Structural equation modeling shows that sense of coherence (predisposing factor), social support (reinforcing factor), and daily hassles (enabling factor) are significantly related to mental health promoting behaviors, which are associated with mental well-being and quality of life. Results of bootstrap analyses confirm the mediating role of mental health promoting behaviors on well-being and quality of life. The study supports the application of the PRECEDE model in understanding mental health promoting behaviors and demonstrates its relationships with well-being and quality of life.
Very early scans for demonstrating dissemination in time in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tur C , Tintoré M , Rovira Á , Nos C , Río J , Téllez N , Galán I , Perkal H , Comabella M , Sastre-Garriga J , Montalban X
Published: June 2008

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of the 2005 modified imaging criteria for dissemination in time in multiple sclerosis stating that detection of a new T2 lesion appearing at any time compared with a reference scan done at least 30 days after the onset of a clinically isolated syndrome implies dissemination in time.

Methods

We included consecutive patients younger than 50 years examined at our center within 3 months of a clinical syndrome suggestive of central nervous system demyelination of the type seen in multiple sclerosis and followed for at least 3 years. We classified patients into one of two groups, according to the timing when reference scan was performed: less than 30 days and at least 30 days after symptom onset. We analyzed the interaction in time to relapse between timing of reference scan and new T2 lesion effect.

Results

A total of 218 patients were included. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of this interaction was 0.90 (0.31–2.62) (or 1.02 (0.27–3.91) in patients with dissemination in space).

Conclusions

We conclude that new T2 lesions increased relapse risk regardless of timing of the reference scan, supporting the use of scans performed at any time within 30 days of symptom onset for dissemination in time demonstration.
Electromyographic activity to keep a lower limb in a raised position in healthy subjects and subjects with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gatti R , Corti M , Govetto S , Bonzani K , Boccardi S
Published: June 2008

The objective of this work was to assess the activation of the stabilization muscles used to keep one lower limb raised from a supine position, in healthy subjects and in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) in two different conditions.

The test required subjects to keep the right lower limb at 45° from the supine position on a horizontal bed plane, with the knee extended. The position was reached in two ways: by raising the right limb (A), and by resting the left lower limb on the bed after both limbs had been raised (B). During the test, pelvis and hip kinematics and the surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity were acquired. Fourteen healthy subjects and 14 subjects with multiple sclerosis were included in the study.

Results showed that in the A condition, healthy subjects had a greater activation of the biceps femoris than the abdominal muscles, while in the B condition the difference between the two muscles decreased. In the MS group there was no difference in muscular activation for the two conditions.

The data show that in the MS subjects there is an alteration of the stabilization muscles with regard the quality of the activation. Starting from these data new exercises of motor rehabilitation in subjects with multiple sclerosis could be recommended.
Midbrain lesions and paroxysmal dysarthria in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Blanco Y , Compta Y , Graus F , Saiz A
Published: June 2008

We describe three patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis who presented with paroxysmal dysarthria. In one patient, the symptoms were the only manifestation of an acute relapse. In the other two patients, the attacks appeared during the recovery of a brainstem relapse. All three patients had an acute lower midbrain lesion. The location was central in two patients and left paramedian in the other, and probably involving cerebellothalamocortical pathways. Treatment with carbamazepine was effective.
Containing modernity
Authors: De Vidas Anath Ariel
Published: June 2008

In rural indigenous communities growing participation in capitalist markets brings changes in social and productive relations. Some authors see this as leading to the breakdown of these societies and a decline in community life. This article analyzes the ways that Tupperware containers — a Western icon of consumerism — are distributed and received in an indigenous village in Mexico, showing how autochthonous use reveals local social structures and practices in ways that question automatic causal links between modernization and Western notions of consumerism.
An urban tour
Authors: Pink Sarah
Published: June 2008

In this article I explore the implications of theorizing ethnographic research as a place-making process. I suggest that if ethnography can be understood as place-making then the task of the reflexive ethnographer includes seeking to understand both her or his own emplacement and how she or he is involved in the constitution of ethnographic places. Taking one research event — an urban tour — as a case study, I analyse the sensoriality and sociality of `shared' walking, eating, drinking, imagining, photographing, and audio- and video-recording, alongside and with research participants. I argue that it is by attuning her or himself to other people's practices that the ethnographer might be able, through her or his embodied experience, to make and thus comprehend the places she or he seeks to analyse.
Businessmen as folk ethnographers
Authors: Wästerfors David
Published: June 2008

Before the rise of professional ethnography, untrained methods to investigate `other' cultures prevailed among various Western actors: travelers, missionaries, colonial administrators, and traders. This article analyzes how such informal ethnography is still treated as an epistemic guide in a post-colonial and transnational business world. A particular case is examined: Swedish and Swedish-Polish businessmen working in emerging markets in Poland and neighboring countries in Eastern Central Europe after the fall of Communism. Situated in what they regard as commercially attractive but relatively unknown cultures, these businessmen oscillate between classic fieldwork and profitable control, pragmatically linking their eagerness for knowledge with their ambition to get things done. The overall vision is a folk version of ethnography, rhetorically celebrated but practically complicated.
Formate hydrogenlyase in the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus litoralis
Authors: Takács Mária , Tóth András , Bogos Balázs , Varga András , Rákhely Gábor , Kovács Kornél L
Published: June 2008

Background

Thermococcus litoralis is a heterotrophic facultative sulfur dependent hyperthermophilic Archaeon, which was isolated from a shallow submarine thermal spring. It has been successfully used in a two-stage fermentation system, where various keratinaceous wastes of animal origin were converted to biohydrogen. In this system T. litoralis performed better than its close relative, P. furiosus. Therefore, new alternative enzymes involved in peptide and hydrogen metabolism were assumed in T. litoralis.

Results

An about 10.5 kb long genomic region was isolated and sequenced from Thermococcus litoralis. In silico analysis revealed that the region contained a putative operon consisting of eight genes: the fdhAB genes coding for a f ormate d eh ydrogenase and the mhyCDEFGH genes encoding a [NiFe] hydrogenase belonging to the group of the H2-evolving, energy-conserving, m embrane-bound hy drogenases. Reverse transcription linked quantitative Real-Time PCR and Western blotting experiments showed that the expression of the fdh-mhy operon was up-regulated during fermentative growth on peptides and down-regulated in cells cultivated in the presence of sulfur. Immunoblotting and protein separation experiments performed on cell fractions indicated that the formate dehydrogenase part of the complex is associated to the membrane-bound [NiFe] hydrogenase.

Conclusion

The formate dehydrogenase together with the membrane-bound [NiFe] hydrogenase formed a formate hydrogenlyase (formate dehydrogenase coupled hydrogenase, FDH-MHY) complex. The expression data suggested that its physiological role is linked to the removal of formate likely generated during anaerobic peptide fermentation.