bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fluoride and Casein Phosphopeptide/Amorphous Calcium Phosphate in the Prevention of Erosive/Abrasive Wear in an in vitro Model Using Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Wegehaupt F.J. , Attin T.
Published: July 2010

Objective: To investigate the effect of various fluoride compounds and casein phosphopeptide/amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on the reduction of erosive/abrasive tooth wear. Methods: Forty enamel samples were prepared from bovine lower incisors, stratified and allocated to 4 groups (1–4). Samples in group 1 remained untreated and served as negative controls. The test samples were treated for 2 min/day as follows: group 2 amine/sodium fluoride gel (pH 4.8; 12,500 ppm), group 3 sodium fluoride gel (pH 7.1; 12,500 ppm) and group 4 CPP-ACP-containing mousse. De- and remineralization cycling was performed for 20 days with 6 erosive attacks for 20 s with HCl (pH 3.0) per day. Samples were stored in artificial saliva between cycles and overnight. Toothbrushing (15 s; 60 strokes/min; load 2.5 N) with a toothpaste slurry was performed each day before the first and 1 h after the last erosive exposure. Tooth wear was measured by comparing baseline surface profiles with the corresponding posttreatment profiles. Results: Tooth wear was significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1, while the enamel loss of group 4 was not significantly lower compared to the negative control group 1. Between the fluoride groups 2 and 3, no significant difference in tooth wear was recorded. Conclusion: Erosive/abrasive tooth wear under the conditions used could be reduced significantly by the daily application of fluoride gels, irrespective of the fluoride compound, while the application of CPP-ACP-containing mousse was less effective.
Effect of TRMM Orbit Boost on Radar Reflectivity Distributions
Authors: Short David A. , Nakamura Kenji
Published: July 2010

Probability distributions of measured radar reflectivity from the precipitation radar (PR) on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite show a small, counterintuitive increase in the midrange, 20–34 dBZ, when comparing data from periods before and after the orbit altitude was boosted in August 2001. Data from two 2-yr time periods, 1999–2000 (preboost) and 2002–03 (postboost), show statistically significant differences of 2%–3% at altitudes of 2, 4, and 10 km and for path-averaged reflectivity.

The bivariate Gaussian function, used to model idealized radar response functions, has mathematical properties that indicate an increase in field-of-view (FOV) size associated with an increase in satellite altitude can be expected to result in a narrowing of observed dBZ distributions, with a resulting increase in midrange values. Numerical simulations with echo areas much smaller and larger than the TRMM PR FOV before (4.3 km) and after (5.0 km) boost are used to demonstrate basic characteristics of the observed and expected distribution changes.
Communication Skill Building in Young Children With and Without Disabilities in a Preschool Classroom
Authors: Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Denning Christopher B. , Jamison Kristen Roorbach
Published: July 2010

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the turn-taking skills of children with and without disabilities who participated in a social communication intervention targeting peer-directed initiations and responses. Eight children met the selection criteria for inclusion in the study. A multiple baseline design across participants (dyads) was used to determine the effects of the social communication intervention. All eight participants showed increases of initiations with an immediate peer response. Follow-up assessments showed that the effects were maintained in the return to baseline condition but did not generalize into the classroom setting. Classroom teachers found the intervention procedures and the behavioral changes in participants to be socially valid. Several implications for practice can be derived from the findings of the present study.
The Impact of Severe Mental Illness On Parole Decisions
Authors: Matejkowski Jason , Caplan Joel M. , Wiesel Cullen Sara
Published: July 2010

This study examined the extent to which severe mental illness (SMI) affects parole release decisions either directly or indirectly through its association with other factors considered in the parole release decision-making process. A random sample of 407 inmates with parole release decisions in 2007 (200 with SMI and 207 without SMI) was selected from the New Jersey State Parole Board. Data on inmates’ program participation, misconduct, and job assignments while incarcerated along with levels of community support and other pertinent release factors were collected. Differences between the SMI and non-SMI groups as well as the relationships among study variables, SMI, and release decisions were examined. Findings indicate that persons with SMI were released to parole at a rate similar to that of persons without SMI. However, the presence of SMI was associated with disciplinary infractions while incarcerated, which in turn negatively affected parole release decisions. Policy implications are discussed.
Local Observed-Score Equating With Anchor-Test Designs
Authors: van der Linden Wim J. , Wiberg Marie
Published: July 2010

For traditional methods of observed-score equating with anchor-test designs, such as chain and poststratification equating, it is difficult to satisfy the criteria of equity and population invariance. Their equatings are therefore likely to be biased. The bias in these methods was evaluated against a simple local equating method in which the anchor-test score was used as a proxy of the proficiency measured by the test and the equating was conditional on this score. The results showed substantial bias for the two traditional methods under a variety of conditions but much smaller bias for the local method. In addition, unlike the traditional methods, the local method appeared to be quite robust with respect to changes in the difficulty and accuracy of the two tests that were equated. But like these methods, it appeared to be sensitive to a decrease in the accuracy of the anchor test as a proxy of the ability measured by the tests.
The Securitization of Financial Identity and the Expansion of the Consumer Credit Industry
Authors: Gates Kelly
Published: July 2010

This article examines the efforts on the part of the retail banking and credit card industry to securitize identity during the period of economic activity that led to the financial crisis. The article examines how, during this period, these industries built an expansive network infrastructure and devoted considerable attention to developing ways of automatically identifying and tracking the individuals who accessed that network. Thanks significantly to this process, “identity” itself has come to be understood as a disembodied aggregate of transaction-generated data, a digital representation of the person constructed over time and space based on the perpetual collection of more data. It also has come tobe understood as something that needs to be secured, through both institutional and individual efforts, using techniques like fraud detection algorithms, vigilant self-monitoring of accounts, the adoption of identity theft protection services, and the integration of biometric technologies into documents and devices. The conceptualization of identity in these terms, with financial data (and the security of that data) at its core, is a fundamental aspect of the reorganization of the U.S. economy around the priorities of financialization. The institutional and individual measures undertaken for the securitization of identity serve the finance industry’s need to define, measure, and differentiate the population in terms of its financial capacities. However, these measures have proven to have limited utility in protecting individuals against the most significant threats to their financial security in a newly financialized, credit-oriented economy.
Unemployed citizen or ‘at risk’ client? Classification systems and employment services in Denmark and Australia
Authors: Caswell Dorte , Marston Greg , Larsen Jørgen Elm
Published: July 2010

The paper explores recent developments in Australian and Danish unemployment policies with a special focus on the technologies used to classify and categorize unemployed people on government benefits. Using governmentality as our theoretical framework, we consider the implications of reducing complex social problems to statistical scores and differentiated categories — forms of knowledge that diminish the capacity to think about unemployment as a collective problem requiring collective solutions. What we argue is that classification systems, which are part and parcel of welfare state administration, are becoming more technocratic in the way in which they divide the population into different categories of risk.
When policy o’erleaps itself: The ‘tragic tale’ of the Integrated Children’s System
Authors: White Sue , Wastell David , Broadhurst Karen , Hall Chris
Published: July 2010

Information technology plays a pivotal role in New Labour’s modernization programme. Here we report findings from a 2 year ethnographic study of the impact and origin of one such system, the Integrated Children’s System, which has been deployed in statutory children’s social care. We show how the ICS, by attempting to micro-manage work through a rigid performance management regime, and a centrally prescribed practice model, has disrupted the professional task, engendering a range of unsafe practices and provoking a gathering storm of user resistance. We attribute these paradoxical outcomes to inherent flaws in the design of ICS, which derive from the history of its development and its embodiment of an audit-driven, inspectorial ideology. We conclude with some suggestions for user-centred design and policymaking, which have relevance not only for children’s social care but for the public services in general.
‘Care Matters’ and the privatization of looked after children’s services in England and Wales: Developing a critique of independent ‘social work practices’
Authors: Cardy Simon
Published: July 2010

The Children and Young Persons Act 2008 sets out parliamentary legislation that will allow local authorities in England and Wales to outsource their ‘corporate parenting’ function of social work services for children in public care to private or independent Social Work Practices (SWPs). The champions of private SWPs in the New Labour administration have found allies amongst the social work profession, including its professional body the British Association of Social Workers. This paper will briefly examine the case for SWPs and comment on the recent debate within social work. It is argued that, whilst these developments are consistent with current trends for the commodification and marketization of children’s services, opposition to and organized resistance towards SWPs should focus on the implications of the contracts for vulnerable children with complex needs. The commentary concludes by identifying some of the key issues that may be helpful for independent evaluation when the initial piloting phase reaches its conclusion in 2012.
Students’ Evaluation of Teaching: Concerns of Item Diagnosticity
Authors: Madden Thomas J. , Dillon William R. , Leak Roland L.
Published: July 2010

The validity and reliability of students’ evaluation of teaching effectiveness has been debated since the 1970s. One concern is the extent to which the ratings are influenced by halo, and if so, how does halo affect the interpretation of the ratings? This study seeks to assess the degree to which the halo affects the diagnosticity of individual teaching evaluation items. Statistical methods are used to identify and purge the individual item ratings of halo. Three professors are compared using the observed teaching evaluation scores and the observed scores once the halo has been purged. Results indicate that the halo is present in the scores and that the halo does bias the interpretation of teaching effectiveness, especially when the goal is to compare one professor with another.
Lupus pleuritis: a relevant risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Pasoto SG , Borba EF , Bonfa E. , Shinjo SK
Published: July 2010

The objective of the study was to evaluate risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinical/laboratorial features of 1283 SLE patients (ACR criteria) followed at the Lupus Clinic were obtained from the electronic register database from 2001 to 2009. Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in 20 patients (1.6%) (TB+ group). As control group (TB-), 40 patients without tuberculosis matched for age, gender, ethnicity, age at SLE diagnosis, and disease duration were arbitrarily selected. All 20 patients of the TB+ group presented confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis from 1 to 23 years after SLE diagnosis (7.6 ± 8.1 years). Frequencies of previous SLE involvements (cutaneous, articular, hematological, renal, pericarditis, pneumonitis, and central nervous system) were alike in TB+ and TB- groups (p > 0.05). In contrast, prior pleuritis was more frequent in the TB+ group (40% vs. 5%, p = 0.001). In fact, pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in 8/10 patients with previous pleuritis. Immunosuppressive and corticosteroid therapies at the moment of tuberculosis diagnosis were also similar in both groups (p > 0.05). We have identified pleuritis as a relevant risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis, suggesting that previous pleural injury is a critical part of the complex interplay between altered immune system, socio-economic conditions, and increased susceptibility to this mycobacterial infection.
The Gender Division of Paid and Domestic Work
Authors: Bouffartigue Paul
Published: July 2010

What does a tempor al perspective contribute to our unde rstanding of the dynamics of the socially gendered division in our societies? What are the implications of the changes taking place in the sphere of paid work for domestic and gender relations? The links between the feminization of the working population and the evolution of the gender division of labour show how important it is to view social relations between the genders against the background of the wider dynamics of social differentiation and polarization. And the contemporary forms of temporal availability at work can be seen as obstacles on the way to an actual and progressive reduction in working time, as the French experience shows.
Piezoelectric Micro-power Generation to Charge Supercapacitor with Optimized Duty Cycle
Authors: Zhao Zhou , Wang Shirui , You Chao
Published: July 2010

Energy harvesting has been proved to be a novel solution to replace the batteries in remote power supply applications. Unfortunately, the limited capacity and low efficiency of output power constraint the practical applications of energy harvesting in daily life. After a systematic review of previous researches about energy harvesting in power management perspective, a circuit design, which focuses on low-frequency mechanical vibration, is introduced. With classical piezoelectric cantilever configuration, the maximum charging current of a supercapacitor can be obtained by optimizing the duty cycle of a buck regulator through software implemented pulse width modulation. The results of experiments prove the capacitive electric model of the piezo, the existence of maximum charging current of the supercapacitor, and the adaptive control of the designed circuits. With the duty cycle optimized to 2.17%, the maximum charging current of 17.36 mA is measured, which is approximately four times fold of previous researches in similar vibration conditions. An active RFID application is proposed to utilize the harvested power of 67.2 µW.
Assessing the risk to health care staff from long-term exposure to anticancer drugs - the case of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Halsen Gabriele , Krämer Irene
Published: July 2010

Today the occupational health and safety risk involved when handling most anticancer drugs is well recognized and, as a result of regulatory requirements, safety measures have been established. There is little knowledge about the occupational hazard posed by handling monoclonal antibodies assigned to ATC Class L01XC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occupational risk of monoclonal antibodies. Using the information obtained in a systematic review of the literature, the potentially dangerous properties of the active drug substances were assessed using a specially devised algorithm. As a result, all monoclonal antibodies in question were categorized as substances with developmental toxicity. In addition, gemtuzumab ozogamicin was categorized as mutagenic. In view of the high molecular weights and the proteinogenic nature of monoclonal antibodies, the route of exposure for health care staff is limited to inhalation, unless there is an accident. Employers should implement the necessary administrative and engineering controls. Employees should adhere to the standards in order to avoid occupational exposure. The hazard assessment algorithm devised and the evaluation procedure may also be used for other drugs considered to be dangerous.
Civic Engagement Patterns of Undocumented Mexican Students
Authors: Perez William , Espinoza Roberta , Ramos Karina , Coronado Heidi , Cortes Richard
Published: July 2010

This study examined the civic engagement of undocumented Mexican students. Civic engagement was defined as providing a social service, activism, tutoring, and functionary work. Survey data results ( n = 126) suggest that despite high feelings of rejection because of their undocumented status, part-time employment, and household responsibilities, 90% of respondents had been civically engaged. Females and students with higher academic achievement and extracurricular participation demonstrated higher civic engagement whereas older students were more likely to have participated in activism. Policy implications of undocumented Latino college student civic engagement are discussed.
Why is a preventable foodborne disease not prevented?
Authors: Wall Patrick
Published: July 2010

Patrick Wall, Associate Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin and Former Chairperson of the European Food Safety Authority, explains why Campylobacter in chicken is not even close to being eliminated
Three-stage model for nucleation of graphite in grey cast iron
Authors: Riposan I. , Chisamera M. , Stan S. , Hartung C. , White D.
Published: July 2010

A three-stage model for the nucleation of graphite in grey irons has been proposed. Stage 1 involves formation of small oxide based sites (usually <2·0 μm) in the melt. Stage 2 involved precipitation of complex (Mn,X)S compounds (usually <5·0 μm) nucleated by stage 1 microinclusions. Finally, in stage 3, graphite nucleates on the sides of the (Mn,X)S compounds, which have low crystallographic misfit with graphite. Three groups of elements are important to sustain this sequence for effective graphite nucleation. These are strong deoxidising elements, such as Al and Zr, to form a high count of very small stage 1 microinclusions, Mn and S to sustain MnS type sulphide formation, and inoculating elements, which act in the first stage and/or in the second stage of the graphite nucleation sequence. Inoculating elements improve the capability of (Mn,X)S compounds to nucleate graphite. In inoculated irons, the (Mn,X)S compounds are more complex. They have a lower Mn/S ratio and higher capability to nucleate graphite, especially when preconditioning/inoculating elements contribute with a high count of effective stage 1 particles.
Improved cellular and humoral immune responses in vivo following targeting of HIV Gag to dendritic cells within human anti–human DEC205 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Cheong Cheolho , Choi Jae-Hoon , Vitale Laura , He Li-Zhen , Trumpfheller Christine , Bozzacco Leonia , Do Yoonkyung , Nchinda Godwin , Park Sung Ho , Dandamudi Durga Bhavani , Shrestha Elina , Pack Maggi , Lee Han-Woong , Keler Tibor , Steinman Ralph M. , Park Chae Gyu
Published: July 2010

Protein vaccines for T-cell immunity are not being prioritized because of poor immunogenicity. To overcome this hurdle, proteins are being targeted to maturing dendritic cells (DCs) within monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to DC receptors. To extend the concept to humans, we immunized human immunoglobulin-expressing mice with human DEC205 (hDEC205) extracellular domain. 3D6 and 3G9 mAbs were selected for high-affinity binding to hDEC205. In addition, CD11c promoter hDEC205 transgenic mice were generated, and 3G9 was selectively targeted to DCs in these animals. When mAb heavy chain was engineered to express HIV Gag p24, the fusion mAb induced interferon-γ– and interleukin-2–producing CD4+ T cells in hDEC205 transgenic mice, if polynocinic polycytidylic acid was coadministered as an adjuvant. The T-cell response was broad, recognizing at least 3 Gag peptides, and high titers of anti-human immunoglobulin G antibody were made. Anti-hDEC205 also improved the cross-presentation of Gag to primed CD8+ T cells from HIV-infected individuals. In all tests, 3D6 and 3G9 targeting greatly enhanced immunization relative to nonbinding control mAb. These results provide preclinical evidence that in vivo hDEC205 targeting increases the efficiency with which proteins elicit specific immunity, setting the stage for proof-of-concept studies of these new protein vaccines in human subjects.
Life-threatening hemobilia caused by hepatic pseudoaneurysm after T-tube choledochostomy: report of a case
Authors: Lee Yueh-Tsung , Lin Ho , Chen Kuan-Yung , Wu Hurng-Sheng , Hwang Min-Ho , Yan Sheng-Lei
Published: July 2010

Background

Hemobilia is a rare but lethal biliary tract complication. There are several causes of hemobilia which might be classified as traumatic or nontraumatic. Hemobilia caused by pseudoaneurysm might result from hepatobiliary surgery or percutaneous interventional hepatobiliary procedures. However, to our knowledge, there are no previous reports pertaining to hemobilia caused by hepatic pseudoaneurysm after T-tube choledochostomy.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of acute calculous cholecystitis and cholangitis. He underwent cholecystectomy, choledocholithotomy via a right upper quadrant laparotomy and a temporary T-tube choledochostomy was created. However, on the 19th day after operation, he suffered from sudden onset of hematemesis and massive fresh blood drainage from the T-tube choledochostomy. Imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm associated hemobilia. The probable association of T-tube choledochostomy with pseudoaneurysm and hemobilia is also demonstrated. He underwent emergent selective microcoils emobolization to occlude the feeding artery of the pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusions

Pseudoaneurysm associated hemobilia may occur after T-tube choledochostomy. This case also highlights the importance that hemobilia should be highly suspected in a patient presenting with jaundice, right upper quadrant abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding after liver or biliary surgery.
Regional variations in and correlates of disability-free life expectancy among older adults in China
Authors: Liu Jufen , Chen Gong , Chi Iris , Wu Jilei , Pei Lijun , Song Xinming , Zhang Lei , Pang Lihua , Han Youli , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: July 2010

Background

Considerable socioeconomic and health inequalities have been reported in China. However, because of a lack of appropriate data, limited research has been conducted on variations in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) among older adults. This study aimed to use the most up-to-date disability survey data to explore geographical variations in DFLE at age 60 in China and to identify the socioeconomic and health care factors that partially account for these variations.

Methods

This study used 2006 mortality data extrapolated from the 1990 and 2000 Census and disability data from a national disability survey conducted in 2006. Disability was performance based and was diagnosed by trained physicians. DFLE was calculated by region using the Sullivan method. Multiple linear regression models by gender were conducted to explore correlates of DFLE.

Results

DFLE at age 60 varied widely by region, from 11.2 to 20.8 years in 2006. Per capita gross domestic product, proportion of urban residents, and access to health care were the primary factors associated with geographical variations in DFLE.

Conclusion

The pattern of differences in DFLE by region mirrors the pattern of regional economic development in China. Countermeasures to decrease regional differences in DFLE include accelerating regional economic development and improving health care distribution.
PC-3 prostate carcinoma cells release signal substances that influence the migratory activity of cells in the tumor's microenvironment
Authors: Voss Melanie J , Niggemann Bernd , Zänker Kurt S , Entschladen Frank
Published: July 2010

Background

Tumor cells interact with the cells of the microenvironment not only by cell-cell-contacts but also by the release of signal substances. These substances are known to induce tumor vascularization, especially under hypoxic conditions, but are also supposed to provoke other processes such as tumor innervation and inflammatory conditions. Inflammation is mediated by two organ systems, the neuroendocrine system and the immune system. Therefore, we investigated the influence of substances released by PC-3 human prostate carcinoma cells on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells as well as neutrophil granulocytes and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, especially with regard to their migratory activity.

Results

PC-3 cells express several cytokines and growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factors, fibroblast growth factors, interleukins and neurotrophic factors. SH-SY5Y cells are impaired in their migratory activity by PC-3 cell culture supernatant, but orientate chemotactically towards the source. Neutrophil granulocytes increase their locomotory activity only in response to cell culture supernantant of hypoxic but not of normoxic PC-3 cells. In contrast, cytotoxic T lymphocytes do not change their migratory activity in response to either culture supernatant, but increase their cytotoxicity, whereas supernatant of normoxic PC-3 cells leads to a stronger increase than that of hypoxic PC-3 cells.

Conclusions

PC-3 cells release several signal substances that influence the behavior of the cells in the tumor's microenvironment, whereas no clear pattern towards proinflammatory or immunosuppressive conditions can be seen.
Analysis of adenovirus trans-complementation-mediated gene expression controlled by melanoma-specific TETP promoter in vitro
Authors: Fontecedro Alessandra Curioni , Lutschg Verena , Eichhoff Ossia , Dummer Reinhard , Greber Urs F , Hemmi Silvio
Published: July 2010

Background

Human adenoviruses (Ads) have substantial potential for clinical applications in cancer patients. Conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) include oncolytic adenoviruses in which expression of the immediate early viral transactivator protein E1A is controlled by a cancer cell-selective promoter. To enhance efficacy, CRAds are further armed to contain therapeutic genes. Due to size constraints of the capsid geometry, the capacity for packaging transgenes into Ads is, however, limited. To overcome this limitation, the employment of E1A-deleted replication-deficient viruses carrying therapeutic genes in combination with replication-competent CRAd vectors expressing E1Ain transhas been proposed. Most trans-complementing studies involved transgene expressions from strong ubiquitous promoters, and thereby relied entirely on the cancer cell specificity of the CRAd vector.

Results

Here we tested the trans-complementation of a CRAd and a replication-deficient transgene vector containing the same cancer cell-selective promoter. Hereto, we generated two new vectors expressing IL-2 and CD40L from a bicistronic expression cassette under the control of the melanoma/melanocyte-specific tyrosinase enhancer tyrosinase promoter (TETP), which we previously described for the melanoma-specific CRAd vector AdΔEP-TETP. These vectors gave rise to tightly controlled melanoma-specific transgene expression levels, which were only 5 to 40-fold lower than those from vectors controlled by the nonselective CMV promoter. Reporter analyses using Ad-CMV-eGFP in combination with AdΔEP-TETP revealed a high level of trans-complementation in melanoma cells (up to about 30-fold), but not in non-melanoma cells, unlike the AdCMV-eGFP/wtAd5 binary vector system, which was equally efficient in melanoma and non-melanoma cells. Similar findings were obtained when replacing the transgene vector AdCMV-eGFP with AdCMV-IL-2 or AdCMV-CD40L. However, the combination of the novel AdTETP-CD40L/IL-2 vector with AdΔEP-TETP or wtAd5 gave reproducible moderate 3-fold enhancements of IL-2 by trans-complementation only.

Conclusions

The cancer cell-selective TETP tested here did not give the expected enforceable transgene expression typically achieved in the Ad trans-complementing system. Reasons for this could include virus-mediated down regulation of limiting transcription factors, and/or competition for such factors by different promoters. Whether this finding is unique to the particular promoter system tested here, or also occurs with other promoters warrants further investigations.
The effects of a muscle resistance program on the functional capacity, knee extensor muscle strength and plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in pre-frail elderly women: a randomized crossover clinical trial - a study protocol
Authors: Lustosa Lygia P , Coelho Fernanda M , Silva Juscelio P , Pereira Daniele S , Parentoni Adriana N , Dias João MD , Dias Rosangela C , Pereira Leani SM
Published: July 2010

Background

With the increase in the elderly population, a growing number of chronic degenerative diseases and a greater dependency on caregivers have been observed. Elderly persons in states of frailty remain more susceptible to significant health complications. There is evidence of an inverse relationship between plasma levels of inflammatory mediators and levels of functionality and muscle strength, suggesting that muscle-strengthening measures can aid in inflammatory conditions. The purpose of this study will be verified the effect of a muscle-strengthening program with load during a ten-week period in pre-frail elderly women with attention to the following outcomes: (1) plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), (2) functional capacity and (3) knee extensor muscle strength.

Methods/Design

The study design is a randomized crossover clinical trial evaluating 26 elderly women (regardless of their race and/or social condition) who are community residents, older than 65, and classified as pre-frail according to the criteria previously described by Fried et al. (2004). All subjects will be assessed using the Timed up and go and 10-Meter Walk Test functional tests. The plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α will be assessed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) with high sensitivity kits (Quantikine®HS, R&D Systems Minneapolis, MN, U.S.). Knee extensor muscle strength will be assessed using the Byodex System 3 Pro

®
isokinetic dynamometer at angular speeds of 60 and 180°/s. The intervention will consist of strengthening exercises of the lower extremities at 50 to 70% of 1RM (maximal resistance) three times per week for ten weeks. The volunteers will be randomized into two groups: group E, the intervention group, and group C, the control group that did not initiate any new activities during the initial study period (ten weeks). After the initial period, group C will begin the intervention and group E will maintain everyday activities without exercising. At the end of the total study period, all volunteers will be reassessed.

Discussion

To demonstrate and discuss possible influences of load-bearing exercises on the modification of plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and in the functional performance of pre-frail elderly women.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN62824599
Ilizarov treatment of humeral shaft nonunion in an antiepileptic drug patient with uncontrolled generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity
Authors: Sioros Vasileios S. , Lykissas Marios G. , Pafilas Dimitrios , Koulouvaris Panayiotis , Mavrodontidis Alexandros N.
Published: July 2010

Nonunion of the humeral shaft in patients with antiepileptic drug associated metabolic bone disorder constitute a challenging surgical problem difficult to treat due to seizure activity, osteoporosis, and poor stabilization options. We report a case of nonunion of the humeral shaft in an antiepileptic drug patient with uncontrolled generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity successfully treated with Ilizarov external fixator and a follow-up of 4 years.
Elevated anti-Zta IgG levels and EBV viral load are associated with site of tumor presentation in endemic Burkitt's lymphoma patients: a case control study
Authors: Asito Amolo S , Piriou Erwan , Odada Peter Sumba , Fiore Nancy , Middeldorp Jaap M , Long Carole , Dutta Sheetij , Lanar David E , Jura Walter GZO , Ouma Collins , Otieno Juliana A , Moormann Ann M , Rochford Rosemary
Published: July 2010

Background

Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an extranodal tumor appearing predominantly in the jaw in younger children while abdominal tumors predominate with increasing age. Previous studies have identified elevated levels of antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum schizont extracts and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigens (VCA) in endemic BL relative to malaria exposed controls. However, these studies have neither determined if there were any differences based on the site of clinical presentation of the tumor nor examined a broader panel of EBV and P. falciparum antigens.

Methods

We used a suspension bead Luminex assay to measure the IgG levels against EBV antigens, VCA, EAd, EBNA-1 and Zta as well as P. falciparum MSP-1, LSA-1, and AMA-1 antigens in children with BL (n = 32) and in population-based age-and sex-matched controls (n = 25) from a malaria endemic region in Western Kenya with high incidence of BL. EBV viral load in plasma was determined by quantitative PCR.

Results

Relative to healthy controls, BL patients had significantly increased anti-Zta (p = 0.0017) and VCA IgG levels (p < 0.0001) and plasma EBV viral loads (p < 0.0001). In contrast, comparable IgG levels to all P. falciparum antigens tested were observed in BL patients compared to controls. Interestingly, when we grouped BL patients into those presenting with abdominal tumors or with jaw tumors, we observed significantly higher levels of anti-Zta IgG levels (p < 0.0065) and plasma EBV viral loads (p < 0.033) in patients with abdominal tumors compared to patients with jaw tumors.

Conclusion

Elevated antibodies to Zta and elevated plasma EBV viral load could be relevant biomarkers for BL and could also be used to confirm BL presenting in the abdominal region.
Novel proteins associated with risk for coronary heart disease or stroke among postmenopausal women identified by in-depth plasma proteome profiling
Authors: Prentice Ross L , Paczesny Sophie , Aragaki Aaron , Amon Lynn M , Chen Lin , Pitteri Sharon J , McIntosh Martin , Wang Pei , Buson Busald Tina , Hsia Judith , Jackson Rebecca D , Rossouw Jacques E , Manson JoAnn E , Johnson Karen , Eaton Charles , Hanash Samir M
Published: July 2010

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke were key outcomes in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trials of postmenopausal estrogen and estrogen plus progestin therapy. We recently reported a large number of changes in blood protein concentrations in the first year following randomization in these trials using an in-depth quantitative proteomics approach. However, even though many affected proteins are in pathways relevant to the observed clinical effects, the relationships of these proteins to CHD and stroke risk among postmenopausal women remains substantially unknown.

Methods

The same in-depth proteomics platform was applied to plasma samples, obtained at enrollment in the WHI Observational Study, from 800 women who developed CHD and 800 women who developed stroke during cohort follow-up, and from 1-1 matched controls. A plasma pooling strategy, followed by extensive fractionation prior to mass spectrometry, was used to identify proteins related to disease incidence, and the overlap of these proteins with those affected by hormone therapy was examined. Replication studies, using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were carried out in the WHI hormone therapy trial cohorts.

Results

Case versus control concentration differences were suggested for 37 proteins (nominal P < 0.05) for CHD, with three proteins, beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM1), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein acid labile subunit (IGFALS) having a false discovery rate < 0.05. Corresponding numbers for stroke were 47 proteins with nominal P < 0.05, three of which, apolipoprotein A-II precursor (APOA2), peptidyl-prolyl isomerase A (PPIA), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), have a false discovery rate < 0.05. Other proteins involved in insulin-like growth factor signaling were also highly ranked. The associations of B2M with CHD (P < 0.001) and IGFBP4 with stroke (P = 0.005) were confirmed using ELISA in replication studies, and changes in these proteins following the initiation of hormone therapy use were shown to have potential to help explain hormone therapy effects on those diseases.

Conclusions

In-depth proteomic discovery analysis of prediagnostic plasma samples identified B2M and IGFBP4 as risk markers for CHD and stroke respectively, and provided a number of candidate markers of disease risk and candidate mediators of hormone therapy effects on CHD and stroke.

Clinical Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00000611
Tactile Sensory Substitution Studies
Authors: BACH‐Y‐RITA PAUL
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Forty years ago a project to explore late brain plasticity was initiated that was to lead into a broad area of sensory substitution studies. The questions at that time were: Can a person who has never seen learn to see as an adult? Is the brain sufficiently plastic to develop an entirely new sensory system? The short answer to both questions is yes, first clearly demonstrated in 1969 (Bach‐y‐Rita et al., 1969). To reach that conclusion, it was first necessary to find a way to get visual information to the brain. That took many years and is still the most challenging aspect of the research and the development of practical sensory substitution and augmentation systems. The sensor array is not a problem: a TV camera for blind persons; an accelerometer for persons with vestibular loss; a microphone for deaf persons. These are common and fully developed devices. The problem is the brain‐machine interface (BMI). In this short report, only two substitution systems are discussed, vision and vestibular substitution.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Antioxidants in the Treatment of Disease
Authors: Smith Robin A.J. , Adlam Victoria J. , Blaikie Frances H. , Manas Abdul‐Rahman B. , Porteous Carolyn M. , James Andrew M. , Ross Meredith F. , Logan Angela , Cochemé Helena M. , Trnka Jan , Prime Tracy A. , Abakumova Irina , Jones Bruce A. , Filipovska Aleksandra , Murphy Michael P.
Published: July 2010

Mitochondrial oxidative damage is thought to contribute to a wide range of human diseases; therefore, the development of approaches to decrease this damage may have therapeutic potential. Mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants that selectively block mitochondrial oxidative damage and prevent some types of cell death have been developed. These compounds contain antioxidant moieties, such as ubiquinone, tocopherol, or nitroxide, that are targeted to mitochondria by covalent attachment to a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation. Because of the large mitochondrial membrane potential, the cations are accumulated within the mitochondria inside cells. There, the conjugated antioxidant moiety protects mitochondria from oxidative damage. Here, we outline some of the work done to date on these compounds and how they may be developed as therapies.
Developmental Restructuring of the Creatine Kinase System Integrates Mitochondrial Energetics with Stem Cell Cardiogenesis
Authors: Chung Susan , Dzeja Petras P. , Faustino Randolph S. , Terzic Andre
Published: July 2010

Differentiation of pluripotent low‐energy requiring stem cells into the high‐energy expenditure cardiac lineage requires coordination of genomic programming and energetic system maturation. Here, in a murine embryonic stem cell cardiac differentiation model, emergence of electrical and beating activity in cardiomyocytes developing within embryoid bodies was coupled with the establishment of the mitochondrial network and expansion of the creatine kinase (CK) phosphotransfer system. Stem cell cardiogenesis was characterized by increased total CK activity, an isoform shift manifested by amplified muscle CK‐M mRNA levels and protein content, and the appearance of cardiac‐specific CK‐MB dimers. Treatment of differentiating stem cells with BMP2, a cardiogenic growth factor, promoted CK activity. CK‐M clustered around developing myofibrils, sarcolemma, and the perinuclear compartment, whereas CK‐B was tightly associated with myofibrillar α‐actinin, forming wire‐like structures extending from the nuclear compartment to the sarcolemma. Developmentally enhanced phosphotransfer enzyme‐anchoring protein FHL2 coalesced the myofibrillar CK metabolic signaling circuit, providing an energetic continuum between mitochondria and the nascent contractile machinery. Thus, the evolving CK‐catalyzed phosphotransfer network integrates mitochondrial energetics with cardiogenic programming, securing the emergence of energy‐consuming cardiac functions in differentiating embryonic stem cells.
The Mitochondrial Antioxidants MitoE2and MitoQ10Increase Mitochondrial Ca2+Load upon Cell Stimulation by Inhibiting Ca2+Efflux from the Organelle
Authors: Leo Sara , Szabadkai György , Rizzuto Rosario
Published: July 2010

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is recognized as a major pathogenic event in a number of human diseases, and mitochondrial scavenging of ROS appears a promising therapeutic approach. Recently, two mitochondrial antioxidants have been developed; conjugating α‐tocopherol and the ubiquinol moiety of coenzyme Q to the lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+), denominated MitoE2and MitoQ10, respectively. We have investigated the effect of these compounds on mitochondrial Ca2+homeostasis, which controls processes as diverse as activation of mitochondrial dehydrogenases and pro‐apoptotic morphological changes of the organelle. We demonstrate that treatment of HeLa cells with both MitoE2and MitoQ10induces (albeit with different efficacy) a major enhancement of the increase in matrix Ca2+concentration triggered by cell stimulation with the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐generating agonist histamine. The effect is a result of the inhibition of Ca2+efflux from the organelle and depends on the TPP+ moiety of these compounds. Overall, the data identify an effect independent of their antioxidant activity, that on the one hand may be useful in addressing disorders in which mitochondrial Ca2+handling is impaired (e.g., mitochondrial diseases) and on the other may favor mitochondrial Ca2+overload and thus increase cell sensitivity to apoptosis (thus possibly counteracting the benefits of the antioxidant activity).
Postischemic Oxidative Stress Promotes Mitochondrial Metabolic Failure in Neurons and Astrocytes
Authors: Fiskum Gary , Danilov Camelia A. , Mehrabian Zara , Bambrick Linda L. , Kristian Tibor , McKenna Mary C. , Hopkins Irene , Richards E. M. , Rosenthal Robert E.
Published: July 2010

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been closely associated in many subcellular, cellular, animal, and human studies of both acute brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Our animal models of brain injury caused by cardiac arrest illustrate this relationship and demonstrate that both oxidative molecular modifications and mitochondrial metabolic impairment are exacerbated by reoxygenation of the brain using 100% ventilatory O2 compared to lower levels that maintain normoxemia. Numerous molecular mechanisms may be responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction caused by oxidative stress, including oxidation and inactivation of mitochondrial proteins, promotion of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition, and consumption of metabolic cofactors and intermediates, for example, NAD(H). Moreover, the relative contribution of these mechanisms to cell injury and death is likely different among different types of brain cells, for example, neurons and astrocytes. In order to better understand these oxidative stress mechanisms and their relevance to neurologic disorders, we have undertaken studies with primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons exposed to O2 and glucose deprivation and reoxygenation and compared the results of these studies to those using a rat model of neonatal asphyxic brain injury. These results support the hypothesis that release and or consumption of mitochondrial NAD(H) is at least partially responsible for respiratory inhibition, particularly in neurons.
What Have PINK1 and HtrA2 Genes Told Us about the Role of Mitochondria in Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Plun‐Favreau Helene , Gandhi Sonia , Wood‐Kaczmar Alison , Deas Emma , Yao Zhi , Wood Nicholas W.
Published: July 2010

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, disabling, neurodegenerative disease. Our knowledge of the molecular events leading to PD is being greatly enhanced by the study of relatively rare familial form of the disease. Nevertheless, the pathways leading from the genetic mutations to nigral cell degeneration and the other features in PD remain poorly understood. The identification of PINK1, a mitochondrial putative protein kinase, has helped understand the pathophysiology of mitochondria and their potential role in PD. Mutations in PINK1 are associated with the PARK6 autosomal recessive, early‐onset, PD‐susceptibility locus. Point mutations in another mitochondrial protein, HtrA2, are a susceptibility factor for PD (PARK13 locus). We report here the results of investigations into the interactors and pathways of these two mitochondrial molecules (PINK1 and HtrA2) in a range of models and human PD tissue.
Complexity and Heterogeneity: What Drives the Ever‐changing Brain in Huntington's Disease?
Authors: Rosas H. Diana , Salat David H. , Lee Stephanie Y. , Zaleta Alexandra K. , Hevelone Nathanael , Hersch Steven M.
Published: July 2010

Significant advances are being made in our understanding of basic pathophyiological and biochemical mechanisms that cause Huntington's disease (HD). There is increasing reason to believe that pathologic alterations occur in the brain for years before symptoms manifest. The “classic” hallmark of neuropathology in HD is selective neurodegeneration in which vulnerable populations of neurons degenerate while less vulnerable populations are spared. While the earliest and most striking neuropathologic changes have been found in the neostriatum, neuronal loss has been identified in many other regions of the brain. We report topologically selective, early, and progressive changes in the cortex, striatum, extrastriatal brain structures, and white matter throughout the spectrum of disease. Our growing understanding of HD underscores the reality that points to the complexity of HD. A single, well‐defined, genetic mutation causes a cascade of events whose final result is an aggregate insult of the homeostatic process. We explore possible explanations for the selective vulnerability of the brain in HD. The ultimate goal in HD is to develop disease‐modifying therapies that will prevent the onset of clinical symptoms in those individuals who are at risk and slow the progression of symptoms in those individuals already affected with symptoms. Understanding changes in brain morphometry and their relationship to clinical symptoms may provide important and new insights into basic pathophysiological mechanisms at play in the disease.