bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy using High-Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Chen Wan Jin , Dong Wan Juan , Lin Xiao Zhen , Lin Min Ting , Murong Shen Xing , Wu Zhi Ying , Wang Ning
Published: May 2009

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Recently, high-resolution DNA melting analysis (HRMA) with saturation LC Green dyes has become a powerful post-PCR technique for genotyping or mutation scanning. So far, no studies have applied HRMA to the molecular analysis of SMA.

Methods

The exon 7 and the flanking area of the SMN1 and SMN2 genes of 55 SMA patients and 46 unrelated normal individuals were amplified with asymmetric PCR with unlabeled probe and symmetric PCR without probe, respectively. The saturation LC Green dyes were added to the PCR system. The PCR products were loaded onto the LightScanner system and were melted from 60°C to 95°C slowly. The melting curves were acquired and analyzed by the LightScanner software.

Results

Three types of melting curves that correlated with the presumed genotype of SMA patients and controls were clearly separated on the HRMA chromatogram with the unlabeled probe. The 55 SMA patients and 46 non-SMA controls were identified with HRMA with a 100% clinical sensitivity.

Conclusion

The HRMA with saturation LC Green dyes and unlabeled probe appears to be a suitable, alternative method for the diagnosis of SMA, with high sensitivity and specificity.
All-trans retinoic acid down-regulates inflammatory responses by shifting the Treg/Th17 profile in human ulcerative and murine colitis
Authors: Bai Aiping , Lu Nonghua , Guo Yuan , Liu Zhanju , Chen Jiang , Peng Zhikang
Published: May 2009

All-trans retinoic acid inhibits inflammatory responses of human ulcerative and murine colitis.

IBD is characterized by uncontrolled immune responses in inflamed mucosa, with dominance of IL-17-producing cells and deficiency of Treg cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect and mechanisms of RA, the ligand of RARα, on immune responses in human and murine colitis. Colonic biopsies from patients with UC were cultured and treated with RA as the agonist of RARα or LE135 as the antagonist of RARα. Expressions of IL-17 and FOXP3 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Murine colitis was induced by intrarectal administration with TNBS at Day 1. Mice were then i.p.-treated with RA or LE135 daily for 7 days. Cytokine levels in the cultures of mouse LPMCs were measured. Expressions of FOXP3 and IL-17 in colon tissues or MLN were detected by immunohistological analysis. Body weight and colon inflammation were evaluated. RA treatment up-regulated FOXP3 expression and down-regulated IL-17 expression in colon biopsies of patients and in colon tissues and MLN of mice with colitis compared with controls. LPMCs from RA-treated mice produced lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17) but more regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) compared with that of untreated mice. LE135 showed the opposite effect of RA. Furthermore, RA ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis in a dose-dependent manner, as seen by improved body weight and colon inflammation. RA down-regulates colon inflammatory responses in patients with IBD in vitro and in murine colitis in vivo, representing a potential therapeutic approach in IBD treatment.
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Added Value Scores:
evaluating effectiveness in child mental health
interventions
Authors: Ford Tamsin , Hutchings Judy , Bywater Tracey , Goodman Anna , Goodman Robert
Published: May 2009

Background

Routine outcome monitoring may improve clinical services but remains
controversial, partly because the absence of a control group makes
interpretation difficult.

Aims

To test a computer algorithm designed to allow practitioners to compare
their outcomes with epidemiological data from a population sample against
data from a randomised controlled trial, to see if it accurately
predicted the trial's outcome.

Method

We developed an ‘added value’ score using epidemiological data on the
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We tested whether it
correctly predicted the effect size for the control and intervention
groups in a randomised controlled trial.

Results

As compared with the a priori expectation of zero, the Added Value Score
applied to the control group predicted an effect size of 70.03 (95% CI
70.30 to 0.24, t = 0.2, P = 0.8). As
compared with the trial estimate of 0.37, the Added Value Score applied
to the intervention group predicted an effect size of 0.36 (95% CI 0.12
to 0.60, t = 0.1, P = 0.9).

Conclusions

Our findings provide preliminary support for the validity of this
approach as one tool in the evaluation of interventions with groups of
children who have, or are at high risk of developing, significant
psychopathology.
Do current environmental conditions explain physiological and metabolic responses of subterranean crustaceans to cold?
Authors: Colson-Proch Céline , Renault David , Gravot Antoine , Douady Christophe J. , Hervant Frédéric
Published: May 2009

Subterranean environments are characterized by the quasi absence of thermal variations (±1°C within a year), and organisms living in these biotopes for several millions of years, such as hypogean crustaceans, can be expected to have adapted to this very stable habitat. As hypogean organisms experience minimal thermal variation in their native biotopes, they should not be able to develop any particular cold adaptations to cope with thermal fluctuations. Indeed, physiological responses of organisms to an environmental stress are proportional to the amplitude of the stress they endure in their habitats. Surprisingly, previous studies have shown that a population of an aquatic hypogean crustacean, Niphargus rhenorhodanensis, exhibited a high level of cold hardiness. Subterranean environments thus appeared not to be following the classical above-mentioned theory. To confirm this counter-example, we studied seven karstic populations of N. rhenorhodanensis living in aquifers at approximately 10°C all year round and we analysed their behavioural, metabolic and biochemical responses during cold exposure (3°C). These seven populations showed reduced activities, and some cryoprotective molecules were accumulated. More surprisingly, the amplitude of the response varied greatly among the seven populations, despite their exposure to similar thermal conditions. Thus, the overall relationship that can be established between the amplitude of thermal variations and cold-hardiness abilities of ectotherm species may be more complex in subterranean crustaceans than in other arthropods.
Cross-modality priming of visual and olfactory selective attention by a spider that feeds indirectly on vertebrate blood
Authors: Cross Fiona R. , Jackson Robert R.
Published: May 2009

Evarcha culicivora, a jumping spider from East Africa, specialises in feeding indirectly on vertebrate blood by choosing blood-carrying mosquitoes as preferred prey. Previous studies have shown that this predator can identify its preferred prey by sight alone and also by odour alone. Here we investigate how vision and olfaction work together. Our findings show that,for E. culicivora, cross-modality priming in the context of preying on blood-carrying mosquitoes works in two directions. However, we found no evidence of priming in the context of predation on less preferred prey(midges). When the spider's task was, by sight alone, to find a cryptic lure,it found mosquitoes significantly more often when the odour of mosquitoes was present than when this odour was not present. When the spider's task was to find masked odour, it found mosquitoes significantly more often after previously seeing mosquitoes than when it had not previously seen mosquitoes. When the spider's task was to find conspicuous lures or unmasked odour, the identity of the priming stimulus appeared to be irrelevant. Results were similar regardless of the spider's previous experience with prey and suggest that E. culicivora has an innate inclination to adopt vision-based search images specifically for mosquitoes when primed by mosquito odour and to adopt olfaction-based search images specifically when primed by seeing mosquitoes.
A finely tuned strategy adopted by an egg parasitoid to exploit chemical traces from host adults
Authors: Salerno G. , Frati F. , Conti E. , De Pasquale C. , Peri E. , Colazza S.
Published: May 2009

Scelionid egg parasitoids can obtain reliable information on the presence of host eggs by discriminating host gender on the basis of chemical footprints of their co-evolved hosts, with a strong preference for the footprint left by host females. Based on the concept of dietary specialization and infochemical use in natural enemies, it could be predicted that host gender discrimination in specialist species belonging to the genus Trissolcus is further tuned to specific cues from distinctive chemical traces left by host females as a consequence of copulation and/or oviposition. To test this hypothesis we used the system Murgantia histrionica – Trissolcus brochymenae. Our results showed that the females of the egg parasitoid search intensely on chemical traces left on the substrate by host females that had mated but had not yet laid host eggs compared with the chemical traces left by virgin or parous host females. This preference for mated females that had not yet laid host eggs was strictly related to the transfer of sperm and associated substances from males to females during copulation. The compounds that mediated the arrestment response of T. brochymenae females are part of the host cuticle, and those that play a role as gender-specific cues seemed to be present in the legs of the host adult. This result represents an interesting new piece of information regarding the exploitation of indirect host-related cues by egg parasitoids. It reveals the existence of a finely tuned strategy that allows the parasitoid to find newly laid host eggs, as chemical traces left by mated host females that have not yet laid eggs are strongly correlated with the moment of oviposition.
Regulation of gill transcellular permeability and renal function during acute hypoxia in the Amazonian oscar (Astronotus ocellatus): new angles to the osmorespiratory compromise
Authors: Wood Chris M. , Iftikar Fathima I. , Scott Graham R. , De Boeck Gudrun , Sloman Katherine A. , Matey Victoria , Valdez Domingos Fabiola X. , Duarte Rafael Mendonça , Almeida-Val Vera M. F. , Val Adalberto L.
Published: May 2009

Earlier studies demonstrated that oscars, endemic to ion-poor Amazonian waters, are extremely hypoxia tolerant, and exhibit a marked reduction in active unidirectional Na+ uptake rate (measured directly) but unchanged net Na+ balance during acute exposure to low PO2, indicating a comparable reduction in whole body Na+ efflux rate. However, branchial O2 transfer factor does not fall. The present study focused on the nature of the efflux reduction in the face of maintained gill O2 permeability. Direct measurements of 22Na appearance in the water from bladder-catheterized fish confirmed a rapid 55% fall in unidirectional Na+ efflux rate across the gills upon acute exposure to hypoxia(PO2=10–20 torr; 1 torr=133.3 Pa), which was quickly reversed upon return to normoxia. An exchange diffusion mechanism for Na+ is not present, so the reduction in efflux was not directly linked to the reduction in Na+ influx. A quickly developing bradycardia occurred during hypoxia. Transepithelial potential, which was sensitive to water [Ca2+], became markedly less negative during hypoxia and was restored upon return to normoxia. Ammonia excretion, net K+ loss rates, and 3H2O exchange rates(diffusive water efflux rates) across the gills fell by 55–75% during hypoxia, with recovery during normoxia. Osmotic permeability to water also declined, but the fall (30%) was less than that in diffusive water permeability (70%). In total, these observations indicate a reduction in gill transcellular permeability during hypoxia, a conclusion supported by unchanged branchial efflux rates of the paracellular marker [3H]PEG-4000 during hypoxia and normoxic recovery. At the kidney, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow rate, and tubular Na+ reabsorption rate fell in parallel by 70% during hypoxia, facilitating additional reductions in costs and in urinary Na+, K+ and ammonia excretion rates. Scanning electron microscopy of the gill epithelium revealed no remodelling at a macro-level, but pronounced changes in surface morphology. Under normoxia,mitochondria-rich cells were exposed only through small apical crypts, and these decreased in number by 47% and in individual area by 65% during 3 h hypoxia. We suggest that a rapid closure of transcellular channels, perhaps effected by pavement cell coverage of the crypts, allows conservation of ions and reduction of ionoregulatory costs without compromise of O2exchange capacity during acute hypoxia, a response very different from the traditional osmorespiratory compromise.
Embryonic temperature affects muscle fibre recruitment in adult zebrafish: genome-wide changes in gene and microRNA expression associated with the transition from hyperplastic to hypertrophic growth phenotypes
Authors: Johnston Ian A. , Lee Hung-Tai , Macqueen Daniel J. , Paranthaman Karthikeyani , Kawashima Cintia , Anwar Attia , Kinghorn James R. , Dalmay Tamas
Published: May 2009

We investigated the effects of embryonic temperature (ET) treatments (22,26 and 31°C) on the life-time recruitment of fast myotomal muscle fibres in zebrafish Danio rerio L. reared at 26/27°C from hatching. Fast muscle fibres were produced until 25 mm total length (TL) at 22°C ET, 28 mm TL at 26°C ET and 23 mm TL at 31°C ET. The final fibre number (FFN)showed an optimum at 26°C ET (3600) and was 19% and 14% higher than for the 22°C ET (3000) and 31°C ET (3100) treatments, respectively. Further growth to the maximum TL of ∼48 mm only involved fibre hypertrophy. Microarray experiments were used to determine global changes in microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression associated with the transition from the hyperplasic myotube-producing phenotype (M+, 10–12 mm TL) to the hypertrophic growth phenotype (M–, 28–31 mm TL) in fish reared at 26–27°C over the whole life-cycle. The expression of miRNAs and mRNAs obtained from microarray experiments was validated by northern blotting and real-time qPCR in independent samples of fish with the M+ and M– phenotype. Fourteen down-regulated and 15 up-regulated miRNAs were identified in the M– phenotype together with 34 down-regulated and 30 up-regulated mRNAs (>2-fold; P<0.05). The two most abundant categories of down-regulated genes in the M– phenotype encoded contractile proteins (23.5%) and sarcomeric structural/cytoskeletal proteins (14.7%). In contrast, the most highly represented up-regulated transcripts in the M–phenotype were energy metabolism (26.7%) and immune-related (20.0%) genes. The latter were mostly involved in cell–cell interactions and cytokine pathways and included β-2-microglobulin precursor (b2m), an orthologue of complement component 4, invariant chain-like protein 1(iclp), CD9 antigen-like (cd9l), and tyrosine kinase,non-receptor (tnk2). Five myosin heavy chain genes that were down-regulated in the M– phenotype formed part of a tandem repeat on chromosome 5 and were shown by in situ hybridisation to be specifically expressed in nascent myofibres. Seven up-regulated miRNAs in the M– phenotype showed reciprocal expression with seven mRNA targets identified in miRBase Targets version 5(http://microrna.sanger.ac.uk/targets/v5/),including asporin (aspn) which was the target for four miRNAs. Eleven down-regulated miRNAs in the M– phenotype had predicted targets for seven up-regulated genes, including dre-miR-181c which had five predicted mRNA targets. These results provide evidence that miRNAs play a role in regulating the transition from the M+ to the M–phenotype and identify some of the genes and regulatory interactions involved.
Differential conditioning and long-term olfactory memory in individual Camponotus fellah ants
Authors: Josens Roxana , Eschbach Claire , Giurfa Martin
Published: May 2009

Individual Camponotus fellah ants perceive and learn odours in a Y-maze in which one odour is paired with sugar (CS+) while a different odour(CS–) is paired with quinine (differential conditioning). We studied olfactory retention in C. fellah to determine whether olfactory learning leads to long-term memory retrievable 24 h and 72 h after training. One and 3 days after training, ants exhibited robust olfactory memory through a series of five successive retention tests in which they preferred the CS+and stayed longer in the arm presenting it. In order to determine the nature of the associations memorized, we asked whether choices within the Y-maze were driven by excitatory memory based on choosing the CS+ and/or inhibitory memory based on avoiding the CS–. By confronting ants with a novel odour vs either the CS+ or the CS– we found that learning led to the formation of excitatory memory driving the choice of the CS+ but no inhibitory memory based on the CS– was apparent. Ants even preferred the CS–to the novel odour, thus suggesting that they used the CS– as a contextual cue in which the CS+ was embedded, or as a second-order cue predicting the CS+ and thus the sugar reward. Our results constitute the first controlled account of olfactory long-term memory in individual ants for which the nature of associations could be precisely characterized.
Detritus decorations of an orb-weaving spider,Cyclosa mulmeinensis(Thorell): for food or camouflage?
Authors: Tan Eunice J. , Li Daiqin
Published: May 2009

Many species of the orb-web spider genus Cyclosa often adorn their webs with decorations of prey remains, egg sacs and/or plant detritus, termed`detritus decorations'. These detritus decorations have been hypothesised to camouflage the spider from predators or prey and thus reduce predation risk or increase foraging success. In the present study, we tested these two alternative hypotheses simultaneously using two types of detritus decorations(prey remain and egg sac) built by Cyclosa mulmeinensis (Thorell). By monitoring the possible responses of predators to spiders on their webs with and without decorations in the field, we tested whether web decorations would reduce the mortality of spiders. Wasp predators were observed to fly in the vicinity of webs with decorations slightly more often than in the vicinity of webs without decorations but there were very few attacks on spiders by wasps. By comparing the insect interception rates of webs with and without decorations in the field, we tested whether web decorations would increase the foraging success. Webs decorated with prey remains or egg sacs intercepted more insects than those without in the field. By calculating colour contrasts of both prey-remain and egg-sac decorations against spiders viewed by bird(blue tits) and hymenopteran (e.g. wasps) predators as well as hymenopteran(bees) prey, we showed that C. mulmeinensis spiders on webs with egg-sac decorations were invisible to both hymenopteran prey and predators and bird predators over short and long distances. While spiders on webs with prey-remain decorations were invisible to both hymenopterans and birds over short distances, spiders on webs with prey-remain decorations were visible to both predators and prey over long distances. Our results thus suggest that decorating webs with prey remains and egg sacs in C. mulmeinensis may primarily function as camouflage to conceal the spider from insects rather than as prey attractants, possibly contributing to the interception of more insect prey. However, the detritus decorations exhibit varying success as camouflage against predators, depending on whether predators are jumping spiders, wasps or birds, as well as on the decoration type.
Division of labour and sex differences between fibrillar, tarsal adhesive pads in beetles: effective elastic modulus and attachment performance
Authors: Bullock James M. R. , Federle Walter
Published: May 2009

Many beetles employ arrays of adhesive setae to control attachment during locomotion. Here we investigate whether and how variation in seta structure,both between sexes and between tarsal pads on the same leg, determines the mechanical properties and adhesive performance of fibrillar arrays. We vertically compressed individual adhesive pads to determine their effective elastic modulus. Distal adhesive arrays were significantly softer than middle and proximal ones. Variation in stiffness was mainly due to different seta diameters, but calculated elastic moduli of seta cuticle were relatively constant at 5–16 GPa. Consistent with their greater compliance, distal pads generated higher adhesion and friction on rough substrates. However, the greater stiffness of proximal pads conveys a superior ability to push. Proximal pads of males were less direction dependent than distal pads and generated larger pushing forces in the distal and lateral directions. In females, proximal pads also produced higher friction forces than distal pads,but only in the lateral direction. Video recordings of vertically climbing beetles confirmed that each pad was used differently. When legs above the body centre of gravity were pulling, beetles mainly engaged the distal pads,whereas legs below the centre of gravity mainly pushed with the proximal pads. Attachment performance was additionally compared between sexes on different substrates. Our findings demonstrate the presence of sex-specific specialisations of the fibrillar system as well as a division of labour between different adhesive pads on the same tarsus.
Antifoaming and Defoaming in Agricultural Tank Mixes: Revisiting, Revising, and Reviving a Method
Authors: O’Connell Todd J. , Ruscko Lisa
Published: May 2009

The foam that is generated in agricultural tank mixes is of great concern because this foam can cause problems such as slow mixing and worker exposure. Antifoaming and defoaming agents are used to control this foam. Developing a reproducible test that accurately predicts the real world performance of these products has been difficult. Several methods are briefly reviewed. An ASTM method has been developed and established. However, this method intuitively is difficult to translate into real world performance. An older possible method has been shown to have obvious and significant problems. Several new modifications to this older method are proposed as a means of overcoming the problems and measuring the performance of products. The proposed method involves a large, polypropylene beaker that is charged with a foaming solution. The solution is stirred and foam is generated using an air sparge and a sparge stone defined in another current ASTM method. Defoamer is added to the foam and the time required for the foam to collapse and to reform is measured separately. The way the foam disintegrates and redevelops can also be observed and recorded or described. Statistical data indicate that, using this method, differences between the performances of various defoaming/antifoaming agents can be determined. The differences are reproducible enough to identify performance differences that will be appreciable in the field. As a result, quantitative and qualitative data may be generated using the proposed method. Also significant is that the method separates antifoaming and defoaming into discrete measurements. This separation of the two measurements provides a better measurement for how a product will perform in the field relative to other products. Calculations resulting in new terms are proposed as a means to create a scale that will allow direct comparison of the performance of various antifoams/defoamers.
Prädiktive Regelung nichtlinearer Systeme unter asynchronen Mess- und StellsignalenNonlinear Predictive Control based on Asynchronous Measurement and Control Signals
Authors: Faulwasser Timm , Kern Benjamin , Varutti Paolo , Findeisen Rolf
Published: May 2009

In vielen Regelungsproblemen stehen die notwendigen Messgrößen nicht zu äquidistanten Zeitpunkten zur Verfügung und es kann auf die zu regelnde Strecke nicht zu äquidistanten Zeitpunkten eingewirkt werden. Daneben treten auf Grund von notwendigen Auswertungszeiten im Sensor, etwaigen Kalibrierungsvorgängen des Stellglieds oder Sensors oder auch Rechenverzögerungen im Regler oft unvermeidliche Verzögerungen auf. Sowohl die variablen Abtastzeiten als auch die Verzögerungen müssen im Reglerentwurf berücksichtigt werden, um Instabilität oder Einschränkungen der Regelgüte zu vermeiden.

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird aufgezeigt, dass prädiktive Regelungsverfahren basierend auf kontinuierlichen Streckenmodellen in der Lage sind, Systeme unter nicht äquidistanter Abtastung und Verzögerungen zu stabilisieren. Zusätzlich werden neue Konzepte umrissen, die aufzeigen, wie durch aktive Sensoren Messungen ausgelöst werden können, sodass Stelleingriffe nur erfolgen, wenn dies notwendig ist.
Análise multivariada dos componentes da resistência à ferrugem-asiática em genótipos de soja
Authors: Koga Lucimara Junko , Canteri Marcelo Giovanetti , Calvo Éberson Sanches , Unfried Jair Rogério , Garcia Alexandre , Harada Arlindo , Kiihl Romeu Afonso de Souza
Published: May 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi detalhar os ciclos de infecção da Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. & P. Syd. em genótipos de soja, para o estabelecimento de grupos de genótipos mais promissores para o uso como fontes de resistência à ferrugem. Os componentes do ciclo de infecção foram quantificados em 48 genótipos. Foram avaliados: tipo de lesão, intensidade de esporulação, severidade, número de lesões e de urédias e produtividade de urediniósporos. Pela análise de agrupamentos, formaram-se quatro grupos: A - desenvolveu a maior quantidade de doença; B - desenvolveu a menor quantidade de doença; C - baixa resistência inicial e D - alta resistência inicial. Os genótipos dos grupos B, C e D apresentaram lesões RB ("redish-brown") e variaram quanto à resistência inicial, resistência tardia, intensidade de esporulação, estabilidade da resposta qualitativa, produtividade de urediniósporos e número de dias para atingir 50% da severidade máxima. Entre as variáveis analisadas, as que apresentaram importância prática foram as avaliações das respostas qualitativas e as de severidade. Esta última reflete os efeitos combinados de resistência sobre todos os componentes da infecção e apresentam importância prática na diferenciação de genótipos, quanto à resistência à doença. Os genótipos dos grupos B, C e D manifestaram resistência qualitativa e quantitativa, em diferentes graus, e promissores para serem utilizados como fontes de genes de resistência à ferrugem-asiática-da-soja.
Interaction Between Gemfibrozil and Warfarin: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dixon Dave L. , Williams Virginia G.
Published: May 2009

Possible procoagulant effects can occur when lipid‐lowering fibric acid derivatives, such as gemfibrozil and fenofibrate, are taken concomitantly with warfarin. Although there are several detailed reports of fenofibrate potentiating the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, few case reports have been published regarding an interaction between gemfibrozil and warfarin. We describe a 62‐year‐old man who was taking warfarin for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and came to the anticoagulation clinic for a routine follow‐up. For 9 months, the patient's international normalized ratio (INR) had been stable (target range 2.0–3.0) with warfarin 45 mg/week. At this clinic visit, however, his INR was supratherapeutic at 5.8; the only identified change in his drug therapy was the addition of gemfibrozil 600 mg twice/day, started 3 weeks earlier. The patient denied any changes in his dietary intake of vitamin K, alcohol use, or addition of nonprescription or herbal agents. Recent laboratory tests revealed no signs of thyroid abnormalities and only an insignificant elevation in his alanine aminotransferase level. His warfarin dose was decreased to 35–37.5 mg/week (a 22% reduction), and a therapeutic INR was maintained until gemfibrozil was later discontinued because of myalgia. After consecutive subtherapeutic INRs, his warfarin dose was increased to 45 mg/week and a therapeutic INR was maintained. Use of the Drug Interaction Probability Scale indicated that the likelihood of the gemfibrozil‐warfarin interaction was probable. The exact mechanism of the proposed interactions between fibric acid derivatives and warfarin remains unknown but may be multifactorial through inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, displacement from protein binding sites, or changes in coagulation factor synthesis. Regardless of the fibric acid derivative chosen, an empiric dosage reduction of 20% and close INR monitoring are warranted in patients receiving warfarin.
Development of Student Professionalism
Authors: Roth Mary T. , Zlatic Thomas D. ,   American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Published: May 2009

In late 2007, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) charged their National StuNet Advisory Committee to formulate tenets of professionalism, with the primary goal of introducing students to essential attitudes and behaviors of professionalism. The committee's list of tenets served as a working document for the development of this White Paper. This collaborative effort of the ACCP Board of Regents and the National StuNet Advisory Committee sought to complement other published documents addressing student professionalism. The purpose of this White Paper is to enhance student understanding of professionalism, emphasizing the importance of the covenantal or “fiducial” relationship between the patient and the pharmacist. This fiducial relationship is the essence of professionalism and is a relationship between the patient and the pharmacist built on trust. This White Paper also outlines the traits of professionalism, which were developed after an extensive review of the literature on professionalism in medicine and pharmacy. The traits of professionalism identified here are responsibility, commitment to excellence, respect for others, honesty and integrity, and care and compassion. It is from these traits that student actions and behaviors should emanate. Students, pharmacy practitioners, and faculty have a responsibility to each other, to society as a whole, and to individual patients whom they serve to ensure that their words and actions uphold the highest standards of professional behavior.

It is important that students, pharmacy practitioners, and faculty recognize what is truly at the heart of professionalism—the pharmacist‐patient fiducial or covenantal relationship. Professionalism is driven by much more than one's actions and behaviors—professionalism hinges on a trust relationship. The pharmacist‐patient fiducial or covenantal relationship obligates the pharmacist to act in the best interest of the patient. As a result, the patient has a firm belief, an unwavering trust that the pharmacist will provide him or her with the best possible care. The traits of professionalism (responsibility, commitment to excellence, respect for others, honesty and integrity, care and compassion) should be discussed, practiced, and, most important, modeled. Students, pharmacy practitioners, and faculty have a responsibility to each other, to society as a whole, and to the individual patients and students whom they serve to ensure that their words and actions both within and outside the classroom uphold the highest standards of professional behavior.
Persistent or not persistent? Polychlorinated biphenyls are readily depurated by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis)
Authors: Christensen Jennie R. , Letcher Robert J. , Ross Peter S.
Published: May 2009

Major pharmacokinetic processes influencing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) accumulation in mammals include uptake, biotransformation, respiration, and excretion. We characterized some of the factors underlying PCB accumulation/loss by evaluating PCB concentrations and patterns in pre- and posthibernation grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and their prey. The PCB congeners with vicinal meta- and para-chlorine unsubstituted hydrogen positions consistently showed loss both before and during hibernation, supporting the idea of a dominant role for biotransformation. Retention of all other studied congeners relative to that of PCB 194 varied widely (from <1 to 100%) and was highly correlated with log octanol--water partition coefficient (p < 0.0001). A lack of loss for most of these other congeners during hibernation supports the notion that excretion (e.g., fecal or urinary) or lack of uptake during the feeding season underlies their lack of accumulation, because hibernating bears do not eat or excrete. We estimate that grizzly bears retain less than 10% of total PCBs taken up from their diet. Our results suggest that for grizzly bears, depuration of PCBs via biotransformation is important (explaining ∼40% of loss), but that nonbiotransformation processes, such as excretion, may be more important (explaining ∼60% of loss). These findings, together with the approximately 91% loss of the persistent PCB 153 congener relative to PCB 194 in grizzly bears, raise important questions about how one defines persistence of PCBs in wildlife and may have bearing on the interpretation of food-web biomagnification studies.
Impact of Downscaling on the Simulation of Seasonal Monsoon Rainfall Over the Indian Region Using a Global and Mesoscale Model
Authors: Dutta Surya K. , Das Someshwar , Kar S.C. , Mohanty U.C. , Joshi P.C.
Published: May 2009

A global model (T80L18; Triangular Truncation at wave number 80 with 18 vertical layers) and a mesoscale model MM5 (nested at 90 and 30 km resolutions) are integrated for 5 monsoon years 1998-2002. The impact of dynamical downscaling from global to mesoscale in the simulations of Indian summer monsoon rainfall is studied.

Comparisons between the global and the mesoscale models show that, though the global model has an edge over the mesoscale model in simulating the all-India mean rainfall closer to the observation, the T80L18 model lacks in simulating the spatial variations in rainfall. The effect of downscaling is better represented in the rainfall variations produced by MM5 both quantitatively and qualitatively over the foothills of the Himalayas and along Nepal to North-eastern India. It is also seen that the mesoscale model is able to represent the dispersion (standard deviation) present in the observed rainfall over India. In the five monsoon seasons, RMSE of mean rainfall (monthly and seasonal) of T80L18 forecasts are mostly lower than that of MM5 forecasts. However, synoptic features like the Somali Jet and Tibetan anticyclone are better represented by MM5. This model has also simulated the regions of convection better than the T80L18 model. However, the MM5 simulations produced an anomalous circulation over the Saudi Arabian region (15-200 N and 45-500 E) in many
cases. The mesoscale model simulates better wind fields than the global model in general. Over peninsular India T80L18 model showed higher temperature gradient but, over Central India this model has better temperature field as compared to MM5. Over southern and north-eastern India, the temperature field of T80L18 and MM5 are very similar.
Relationships between personal religious orientation and ethical ideologies
Authors: Chen Shiou-Yu , Liu Chung-Chu
Published: May 2009

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between personal religious orientation and ethical ideologies. Demographic variables were also taken into consideration as moderators to examine if moderating effects exist. 265 questionnaires were collected to test
the conceptual framework. We found that personal religious orientation is significantly negatively correlated with relativism, but nonsignificantly correlated with idealism. Age and education have moderate effects on the relationship between personal religious orientation and ethical ideology.
The theoretical and practical implications of religious orientation and ethical ideology are also discussed.
HIV/AIDS-related sexual risk behaviors in male rural-to-urban migrants in China
Authors: Yang Tingzhong , Wang Wei , Abdullah Abu Saleh , Beard Jennifer , Cao Chengjian , Shen Mowei
Published: May 2009

There is a lack of research concerning the connection between HIV-related sexual risk behaviors (SRBs) and the psychological characteristics of middle-aged male migrants in China. This study was aimed at describing how psychological characteristics affected the SRBs of migrant men in
two Chinese cities. A cross-sectional survey in Hangzhou and Guangzhou was used to collect sociodemographic and psychological data from male migrants over 3 age groups: 20-29 (Group I), 30-39 (Group II), and 40-59 years (Group III). The mean incidence of the participants' extramarital sex
was higher in Group I than Group III, while the mean Hedonism Seeking Scale (Yang et al., 2006) score was higher in Group III than Group I. Results suggest that poor health status, higher stress levels and higher hedonism seeking increase sexual risk taking in middle-aged male migrants, while
the longer the duration of living in an urban area and living with a partner reduce such behaviors in all groups.
Cephalometric Floating Norms as a Guide toward a Harmonious Individual Craniofacial Pattern among Filipinos
Authors: Sevilla-Naranjilla Marian Almyra , Rudzki-Janson Ingrid
Published: May 2009

Objective: To construct a harmony box based on correlated cephalometric variables, which may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in orthodontic treatment planning, by analyzing the harmonious relationships of existing individual craniofacial patterns among Filipinos.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-one subjects, 37 females and 44 males, were selected from the student population of a University according to established inclusion criteria. Five cephalometric angular measurements were obtained and digitized. Pearson correlation coefficients described the high association among the five variables. The bivariate linear regression analysis was used to construct a harmony box, which contained the cephalometric floating norms of the five correlated variables. Multiple regression analysis and the standard error of the estimate were calculated to construct the harmony schema, which describes the individual craniofacial pattern.

Results: Correlations between the five variables were significant at .001 and .05 levels. Linear regression equations with corresponding r2 and standard error of the estimate (SE) were illustrated as the harmony box. The multiple correlation coefficient R, the adjusted R2, and the SE when one of the five measured variables was predicted from the remaining four by means of a multiple regression analysis were displayed as the harmony schema.

Conclusion: The cephalometric floating norms describing the individual craniofacial pattern among Filipinos were established based on five correlated variables in the form of a harmony box.
Automated Cephalometry: System Performance Reliability Using Landmark-Dependent Criteria
Authors: Tanikawa Chihiro , Yagi Masakazu , Takada Kenji
Published: May 2009

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate reliability of a system that performs automatic recognition of anatomic landmarks and adjacent structures on lateral cephalograms using landmark-dependent criteria unique to each landmark.

Materials and Methods: To evaluate the reliability of the system, the system was used to examine 65 lateral cephalograms. The area of each system-identified anatomic structure surrounding the landmark and the position of each system-identified landmark were compared with norms using confidence ellipses with α = .01, which were derived from the scattergrams of 100 estimates obtained according to the method reported by Baumrind and Frantz. When the system-identified area overlapped with the norm area, anatomic structure recognition was considered successful. In addition, when the system-identified point was located within the norm area, landmark identification was considered successful. Based on these judgment criteria, success rates were calculated for all landmarks.

Results: The system successfully identified all specified anatomic structures in all the images and determined the positions of the landmarks with a mean success rate of 88% (range, 77%– 100%).

Conclusion: With the incorporation of the rational assessment criteria provided by confidence ellipses, the proposed system was confirmed to be reliable.
Effects of Intrusive Force on Selected Determinants of Pulp Vitality
Authors: Veberiene Rita , Smailiene Dalia , Danielyte Jovita , Toleikis Adolfas , Dagys Arvydas , Machiulskiene Vita
Published: May 2009

Objective: To determine the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the pulp of orthodontically intruded teeth and to test the sensitivity of these teeth by means of electrical pulp testing (EPT).

Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 21 healthy subjects who needed extraction of first premolars for orthodontic reasons. In every subject, one premolar included in a 0.016″– 0.022″ stainless steel spring from the first molar and loaded by the force was regarded as a test tooth. The magnitude of the intrusive tipping force for every tooth was calculated with the use of ANSYS 10.0 software. The contralateral premolar was used as a control tooth. After 7 days, the spring was removed, and EPT was applied to test and control teeth. The teeth were extracted, and the dental pulp was removed. AST activity in the pulp was determined spectrophotometrically at 20°C.

Results: Estimated mean AST activity values ranged from 0.572 ± 0.097 U/mg in the test teeth to 0.348 ± 0.053 U/mg in the control teeth (P < .01). The EPT test showed significant differences between test and control teeth (P < .001). The mean estimated magnitude of the intrusive tipping force was 61 ± 4.5 g.

Conclusion: Seven days of orthodontic intrusion can cause metabolic changes in the pulp expressed by increased AST activity. The increased threshold in the pulp reaction to EPT indicates changes in the neural response of the pulp.
The Efficacy and Safety of Saxagliptin When Added to Metformin Therapy in Patients With Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes With Metformin Alone
Authors: DeFronzo Ralph A. , Hissa Miguel N. , Garber Alan J. , Luiz Gross Jorge , Yuyan Duan Raina , Ravichandran Shoba , Chen Roland S. ,   for the Saxagliptin 014 Study Group
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE

This 24-week trial assessed the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control with metformin alone.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of saxagliptin (2.5, 5, or 10 mg once daily) or placebo plus a stable dose of metformin (1,500–2,500 mg) in 743 patients (A1C ≥7.0 and ≤10.0%). Efficacy analyses were performed using an ANCOVA model using last observation carried forward methodology on primary (A1C) and secondary (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] and postprandial glucose [PPG] area under the curve [AUC]) end points.

RESULTS

Saxagliptin (2.5, 5, and 10 mg) plus metformin demonstrated statistically significant adjusted mean decreases from baseline to week 24 versus placebo in A1C (−0.59, −0.69, and −0.58 vs. +0.13%; all P < 0.0001), FPG (−14.31, −22.03, and −20.50 vs. +1.24 mg/dl; all P < 0.0001), and PPG AUC (−8,891, −9,586, and −8,137 vs. −3,291 mg · min/dl; all P < 0.0001). More than twice as many patients achieved A1C <7.0% with 2.5, 5, and 10 mg saxagliptin versus placebo (37, 44, and 44 vs. 17%; all P < 0.0001). β-Cell function and postprandial C-peptide, insulin, and glucagon AUCs improved in all saxagliptin treatment groups at week 24. Incidence of hypoglycemic adverse events and weight reductions were similar to those with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Saxagliptin once daily added to metformin therapy was generally well tolerated and led to statistically significant improvements in glycemic indexes versus placebo added to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone.
Using Discrete Loss Functions and Weighted Kappa for Classification: An Illustration Based on Bayesian Network Analysis
Authors: Zwick Rebecca , Lenaburg Lubella
Published: May 2009

In certain data analyses (e.g., multiple discriminant analysis and multinomial log-linear modeling), classification decisions are made based on the estimated posterior probabilities that individuals belong to each of several distinct categories. In the Bayesian network literature, this type of classification is often accomplished by assigning individuals to the modal state, based on the estimated posterior probabilities. This procedure is not satisfactory, however, when various types of classification errors have different costs. For example, Lenaburg used Bayesian network methods to forecast students’ grades in a college statistics course to identify students who were likely to benefit from extra tutoring, and was most concerned with incorrectly predicting students would pass. We recommend a simple post hoc classification method, based on discrete loss functions, that can lead to improved classification. We further propose that Cohen’s weighted kappa statistic be used to evaluate the quality of the classification decisions. We illustrate the approach using Lenaburg’s data.
Cognitive and motor improvement after retesting in normal-pressure hydrocephalus: a real change or merely a learning effect?
Authors: Solana Elisabeth , Poca Maria Antonia , Sahuquillo Juan , Benejam Bessy , Junqué Carme , Dronavalli Mithilesh
Published: May 2009

Object

The test-retest method is commonly used in the management of patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). One of the most widely used techniques in the diagnosis of this condition is evaluation of the patient's response to CSF evacuation by lumbar puncture (a so-called tap test or spinal tap). However, interpretation of improved results in subsequent evaluations is controversial because higher scores could reflect a real change in specific abilities or could be simply the result of a learning effect.

Methods

To determine the effect of testing-retesting in patients with NPH, the authors analyzed changes documented on 5 neuropsychological tests (the Toulouse-Pieron, Trail Making Test A, Grooved Pegboard, Word Fluency, and Bingley Memory tests) and several motor ability scales (motor performance test, length of step, and walking speed tests) in a series of 32 patients with NPH who underwent the same battery on 4 consecutive days. The same tests were also applied in 30 healthy volunteers. In both groups, the authors used the generalized least-squares regression method with random effects to test for learning effects. To evaluate possible differences in response depending on the degree of cognitive impairment at baseline, the results were adjusted by using the Mini-Mental State Examination scores of patients and controls when these scores were significant in the model.

Results

In patients with NPH there were no statistically significant differences in any of the neuropsychological or motor tests performed over the 4 consecutive days, except in the results of the Toulouse-Pieron test, which were significantly improved on Day 3. In contrast, healthy volunteers had statistically significant improvement in the results of the Toulouse-Pieron test, Trail Making Test A, and Grooved Pegboard test but not in the remaining neuropsychological tests. Patients in the healthy volunteer group also exhibited statistically significant improvement in the motor performance test but not in step length or walking speed.

Conclusions

No learning effect was found in patients with NPH on any of the neuropsychological or motor tests. Clinical improvement after retesting in these patients reflects real changes, and this strategy can therefore be used in both the diagnosis and evaluation of surgical outcomes.