bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insights into Endocrine Pancreatic Development: The Role of Environmental Factors
Authors: Heinis M. , Simon M.T. , Duvillié B.
Published: July 2010

The pancreas is a mixed gland that contains endocrine and exocrine components. Within the pancreatic islets, β cells produce insulin and control the glycemia. Their deficiency leads to diabetes and several potential complications. In the last decade, numerous studies have focused on pancreas development. The objective was to characterize the cellular and molecular factors that control the differentiation of endocrine and exocrine cell types. Investigation of the role of transcription factors by using genetic approaches led to the discovery of key molecules that are expressed both in rodents and humans. Some of them are ubiquitous, and some others are specifically involved in endocrine or exocrine specification. In addition to these intrinsic factors, recent studies have focused on the role of environmental factors. In the present review, we describe the roles of nutrients and oxygen in the embryonic pancreas. Interestingly, these extrinsic parameters can interfere with β-cell differentiation and function. Altogether, these data should help to generate β cells in vitro and define strategies for a cell-based therapy of type 1 diabetes.
Phenotypic Variability of Episodic Ataxia Type 2 Mutations: A Family Study
Authors: Jung Julien , Testard Hervé , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Riant Florence , Vallet Anne-Evelyne , Berroir Stéphane , Broussolle Emmanuel
Published: July 2010

Background: Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is characterized by paroxysmal bouts of ataxia and progressive cerebellar dysfunction. Other manifestations may also be associated, such as migraine attacks with or without aura, absence epilepsy and mental retardation. Methods: To describe the intrafamilial variability of clinical manifestations of 3 patients harboring a novel CACNA1A point mutation in exon 7 (nucleotide insertion c.1063dupG) typical of EA2 mutation. Results: All 3 patients presented paroxysmal bouts of ataxia, but age of onset, associated symptoms and symptoms at clinical onset were clearly distinct with hemiplegic migraine attacks in the father, absence epilepsy in one child and mental retardation in the other child. Conclusion: Typical manifestations of EA2 may be associated and temporally preceded by rare manifestations such as hemiplegic migraine attacks, epilepsy and mental retardation. Moreover, patients sharing a given CACNA1A mutation may present very different phenotypes even within the same family.
Comparison of Peptic Ulcer Disease Risk between Peritoneal and Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Yung-Tai , Yang Wu-Chung , Lin Chih-Ching , Ng Yee-Yung , Chen Jinn-Yang , Li Szu-Yuan
Published: July 2010

Background: Compared to the general population, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have increased peptic ulcer and upper GI bleeding complication rates. However, the risk factors for peptic ulcer among ESRD patients are unknown. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 827 incident dialysis patients and diagnosed peptic ulcer on the basis of endoscopic findings; information on the morbidities and medical prescription were obtained directly from medical records. A Cox regression hazard model was used to identify risk factors for peptic ulcer. Results: During the 10-year study period, 481 patients underwent an endoscopic exam. Peptic ulcers were detected in 153 patients. Age (p = 0.025), peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.022), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.020), congestive heart failure (p = 0.015), low serum albumin (p = 0.008) and high gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) levels (p = 0.002) are risk factors for peptic ulcers among ESRD patients. Ulcer severity (p = 0.004) and aspirin prescription (p = 0.043), but not Helicobacter pylori infection, influenced the ulcer recurrence rate. Conclusion: The risk factors for peptic ulcer have some differences between ESRD patients and general population. In patients with high risk of upper GI bleeding, peritoneal dialysis and aspirin should be prescribed with caution.
CKD Patients: The Dilemma of Serum PTH Levels
Authors: Pontoriero Giuseppe , Cozzolino Mario , Locatelli Francesco , Brancaccio Diego
Published: July 2010

Recent observational studies of patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) not undergoing dialysis have shown that even slight increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, regardless of the serum levels of calcium and phosphorus and vitamin D therapy. These studies suggest paying particular attention to monitoring PTH levels from the early stages of CKD, and preventing any mineral metabolism disorders that may trigger the excessive synthesis and secretion of PTH. However, it is not easy to determine when an appropriate response becomes maladaptive and requires the pharmacological suppression of the parathyroid gland because the gland’s adaptive response can vary widely from one person to another. Furthermore, PTH levels are not always a good predictor of bone turnover and current PTH assays have various methodological limitations. Treating the early mineral metabolism abnormalities of CKD may help prevent the cardiovascular complications whose frequency, costs and mortality have a profound effect on society as a whole. For this reason, there is great interest in establishing adequate target ranges for PTH at different stages of CKD, and determining the most appropriate strategies for reaching them.
Paraoxonase (PON1) Gene Polymorphisms in Fabry Disease: Correlation with Renal Disease
Authors: Shemesh Tamar , Whybra Catharina , Delgado-Sanchez Sandra , Beck Michael , Elstein Deborah , Altarescu Gheona
Published: July 2010

Background: Fabry disease is associated with cardiomyopathy, early-onset stroke, and progressive renal failure, and other features. No markers predict multisystemic disease progression. The hypothesis of the current study is to assess a clinically relevant marker for Fabry disease using polymorphic genotyping of a marker that has been shown to be involved in interrelated cardiac, vascular, and renal abnormalities in patients not affected by Fabry disease. The paraoxonase (PON1) polymorphisms, Leu55Met and Gln192Arg, modulate intima-medial artery thickening, prognosis of cardiovascular stroke, and renal failure in other diseases. Methods: PON1 polymorphisms were ascertained. The Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI) for Fabry disease was calculated. Local Institutional Review Board approval was received. Results: 104 patients (58 female) and 46 controls (23 female) were evaluated. There was a significant difference (p = 0.04) in PON55LL (42.3%) among patients as compared to controls (21.7%) but none in PON192 genotypes. PON55 variant (MM) was correlated with severe MSSI renal sub-scores (p < 0.001) also when age-adjusted but not with cardiac, neurological, or general sub-scores. PON55LL genotype, correlated with higher PON1 activity, had lowest α-galactosidase-A activity (n = 45). Conclusion: There was no combined effect of PON55-PON192 polymorphisms. PON55LL was more common among patients. PON55MM genotype was correlated with non-mild renal sub-scores. However, sample size needs to be enlarged.
Diagnosis of Schizophrenia: Reliability of an Operationalized Approach to ‘Praecox-Feeling’
Authors: Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao , Hong Yu , Leung Henry C.M. , Chiu Helen F.K.
Published: July 2010

Background: H.C. Rumke coined the term ‘praecox-feeling’ to denote a specific unease experienced by the clinician reflecting the ‘impossibility of empathy’ and ‘lack of exchange of affect’ that has been reported to occur early on when examining schizophrenia patients. There is ample evidence that praecox-feeling is still relevant in modern clinical practice. This study examined the reliability of operationalized praecox-feeling against the background of modern diagnostic criteria and assessment methods. Sampling and Method: 102 consecutively admitted patients (37 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia) were interviewed within 2 days of their admission to a university-affiliated acute psychiatric unit. This initial interview was observed by 5 psychiatrists who had never seen the patients before. The interview lasted 2 min and consisted of standard, non-specific questions. The observing clinicians independently rated the absence or presence of praecox-feeling for each patient at 30 s and 2 min after encountering the patients. A sixth psychiatrist then examined the patients using the SCID-DSM-IV and all available information to reach a best estimate DSM-IV diagnosis. Results: Measured against a research diagnosis, praecox-feeling had unsatisfactory sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the receiver-operator curves. There was no significant difference between the 30 s and the 2 min ratings of any of the 5 clinicians. Of the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, only early age of onset was significantly associated with praecox feeling for the majority of the raters. The raters’ length of clinical experience did not correlate with the accuracy of their praecox-feeling. Conclusions: Measured against a best estimate research diagnosis in this study, praecox-feeling had modest sensitivity and specificity. Diagnostic agreement with the modern gold standard diagnosis of schizophrenia for all raters of praecox-feeling was poor. Although praecox-feeling appears to be an unreliable diagnostic compass, several lines of evidence suggest that its existence in clinical practice cannot be denied, which underscores the importance of a subjective element of unknown composition, magnitude and reliability in the diagnostic process that deserves more attention.
Homocysteine in Vascular Behçet Disease
Authors: La Regina Micaela , Orlandini Francesco , Prisco Domenico , Dentali Francesco
Published: July 2010

Objective—

Behçet disease (BD) is a vasculitis of unknown etiology, characterized by oral or genital aphtosis and uveitis. Homocysteine (hcy) is an independent risk factor for venous and arterial thrombosis. The association between hyperhomocysteinemia and thrombosis has been investigated in some studies in BD patients. However, information on this association is based only on the results of small studies with conflicting results. To overcome such limitations, we performed a metaanalysis comparing the plasma levels of hcy in BD patients with and without history of thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

We searched for all published studies using the Medline and Embase databases. Two reviewers performed study selection independently. Studies were included if hcy was measured in adult BD patients with and without thrombosis. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study and population characteristics. The mean value of hcy in BD patients and the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with and without thrombosis were collected. Association between thrombosis and hyperhomocysteinemia, and the mean difference of hcy levels in BD patients with and without thrombosis were calculated. Sixteen studies, for a total of 979 patients, were included. Hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in patients with thrombosis than in those without (odds ratio 3.14; 95% CI 1.26 to 7.80) Mean levels of hcy were significantly higher in patients with thrombosis in comparison with patients without (mean difference 3.30 μmol/L; 95% CI 2.09 to 4.51).

Conclusion—

Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia may be considered to be associated with thrombosis in BD patients.
CD31
+
Cells Represent Highly Angiogenic and Vasculogenic Cells in Bone Marrow
Authors: Kim Hyongbum , Cho Hyun-Jai , Kim Sung-Whan , Liu Bianling , Choi Yong Jin , Lee JiYoon , Sohn Young-Doug , Lee Min-Young , Houge Mackenzie A. , Yoon Young-sup
Published: July 2010

Rationale:

Bone marrow (BM) cells play an important role in physiological and therapeutic neovascularization. However, it remains unclear whether any specific uncultured BM cell populations have higher angiogenic and vasculogenic activities. Moreover, there has been controversy regarding the vasculogenic ability of BM cells.

Objective:

Preliminary flow cytometric analysis showed that CD31, traditionally a marker for endothelial cells, is expressed in certain nonendothelial BM mononuclear cells in both human and mouse. Based on the conserved CD31 expression in the axis of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/HPCs) to endothelial cells, we further sought to determine the comprehensive vasculogenic and angiogenic characteristics of human and mouse BM-derived CD31
+
cells.

Methods and Results:

Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that all CD31
+
cells derived from BM were CD45
+
and expressed markers for both HSC/HPCs and endothelial cells. Comprehensive gene expression analyses revealed that BM-CD31
+
cells expressed higher levels of angiogenic genes than CD31
−
cells. Endothelial progenitor cells, as well as HSC/HPCs, were almost exclusively confined to the CD31
+
cell fraction, and culture of CD31
+
cells under defined conditions gave rise to endothelial cells. Finally, injection of CD31
+
cells into ischemic hindlimb repaired ischemia, increased expression of angiogenic and chemoattractive factors, and, in part, directly contributed to vasculogenesis, as demonstrated by both 3D confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that BM-CD31
+
cells represent highly angiogenic and vasculogenic cells and can be a novel and highly promising source of cells for cell therapy to treat ischemic cardiovascular diseases.
Touching Space: Using Motion Capture and Stereo Projection to Create a “Virtual Haptics” of Dance
Authors: Vincs Kim , McCormick John
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the work of a group of artists in Australia who used real-time motion capture and 3D stereo projection to create a large-scale performance environment in which dancers seemed to “touch” the volume. This project re-versions Suzanne Langer's 1950s philosophy of dance as “virtual force” to realize the idea of a “virtual haptics” of dance that extends the dancer's physical agency literally across and through the surrounding spatial volume. The project presents a vision of interactive dance performance that “touches” space by visualizing kinematics as intentionality and agency. In doing so, we suggest the possibility of new kinds of human-computer interfaces that emphasize touch as embodied, nuanced agency that is mediated by the subtle qualities of whole-body movement, in addition to more goal-oriented, task-based gestures such as pointing or clicking.
Data Portraits
Authors: Donath Judith , Dragulescu Alex , Zinman Aaron , Viégas Fernanda , Xiong Rebecca
Published: July 2010

Data portraits depict their subjects' accumulated data rather than their faces. They can be visualizations of discussion contributions, browsing histories, social networks, travel patterns, etc. They are subjective renderings that mediate between the artist's vision, the subject's self-presentation, and the audience's interest. Designed to evocatively depict an individual, a data portrait can be a decorative object or be used as an avatar, one's information body for an online space.

Data portraits raise questions about privacy, control, aesthetics, and social cognition. These questions become increasingly important as more of our interactions occur online, where we exist as data, not bodies.
Human Rights, Animal Wrongs? Exploring Attitudes toward Animal Use and Possibilities for Change
Authors: Bard Kim , Knight Sarah , Vrij Aldert , Brandon Doug
Published: July 2010

Presented here are three research studies examining psychological characteristics underlying attitudes toward the use of nonhuman animals: beliefs and value systems; their comparative impact on opinions; and empathetic responses to humans and to animals. The first study demonstrated that the attitudes of laypeople are context dependent: different sets of beliefs underlie attitudes toward various types of animal use. Belief in the existence of alternatives (“perceptions of choice”) was especially important, accounting alone for 40% of the variance in attitudes. The second study compared the opinions, beliefs, value systems, and empathetic responses of scientists, animal welfarists, and laypeople. Results demonstrated that laypersons are most similar to the science community, not the animal welfare community. Scientists and laypeople differed on very few measures, whereas animal welfarists differed on most measures. The third study demonstrated a causal link between belief and attitude: manipulating “perceptions of choice” led to a significant change in support for animal use. These studies explain how individuals and groups can have dramatically different attitudes toward animal use and demonstrate how opinions can be changed.
The Inconsistent Vegetarian
Authors: van der Kooi Merle E.
Published: July 2010

Vegetarians are often charged with inconsistency. They are told that, if they refrain from meat consumption, they should also refrain from the consumption of all animal products. The central question this paper addresses is whether the requirement of consistency means that vegetarians should become vegans. It is argued that if a vegetarian is motivated by arguments that focus on animals, she is indeed inconsistent and should become a vegan.
Maximum size of dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus (Cuvier, 1807), in the Amazon and habitats surrounding the Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Sanaiotti Tânia , Magnusson William , Campos Zilca
Published: July 2010

The dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, is considered one of the smallest crocodilians. However, our surveys indicate that the species regularly reaches larger sizes than usually reported in the literature. Most individuals lose tail tips, and we did not encounter any individual with snout-vent length (SVL) > 70 cm that had an intact tail. P. palpebrosus attains SVL > 112.5 cm (equivalent to a total length with intact tail estimated from SVL of 210 cm) in streams around the Pantanal, 106 cm (198 cm) in flooded forest in central Amazonia, and 100 cm (187 cm) in flooded forest and around the Madeira-Guaporé River.
Weak population structuring in the Danube crested newt, Triturus dobrogicus, inferred from allozymes
Authors: Arntzen  , Vörös Judit
Published: July 2010

Nuclear genetic variation and population structure were assessed in 140 individuals from 16 populations across the range of the Danube crested newt (Triturus dobrogicus) using 40 enzyme loci. Intraspecific hybridization with other crested newt species (Triturus carnifex, T. cristatus, T. macedonicus and T. arntzeni) affected 33 individuals in 11 populations at the range edge and reduced operational sample size to 107 T. dobrogicus in 14 populations. Allele diversity was high, and we inferred a high level of gene flow among T. dobrogicus populations, possibly associated with flooding conditions and the relatively continous habitat along rivers. Triturus dobrogicus showed weak but significant genetic structure between tributaries of the three main river systems of Danube, Sava and Tisza. The highest genetic diversity was observed in the Sava drainage, suggesting that this area might have been a Pannonian refugium during the most recent glacial maximum. The relatively high level of genetic variation observed suggests that a genetic bottleneck during this period has not been extreme.
Effect of habitat drying on the development of the Eastern spadefoot toad (Pelobates syriacus) tadpoles
Authors: Székely Paul , Cogălniceanu Dan , Tudor Marian
Published: July 2010

Amphibians exhibit plasticity in the timing of metamorphosis, and tadpoles of many species respond to pond drying by accelerating their development. In the present study we investigated the phenotypic plasticity of the developmental response to water volume reduction in tadpoles of Eastern spadefoot toad Pelobates syriacus. The response of tadpoles to the simulated drying conditions was evaluated by gradually reducing the water level in the experimental containers under controlled laboratory conditions. Four water level treatments were used: constant high, slow decrease, fast decrease and constant low level. We tested if (i) tadpoles can speed up their development in a drying aquatic habitat, and (ii) if the accelerated development causes a reduced body size at metamorphosis. Our results showed that P. syriacus tadpoles were able to respond to pond drying by speeding up their metamorphosis and that metamorphosis was not influenced by water level, but by water level decrease rate. The accelerated development caused by the decreasing water level resulted in smaller body size at metamorphosis. The smallest size at metamorphosis was in tadpoles raised in constant low water level treatments and was probably induced by the crowding effect. We compared our results to similar studies which show that the response of the Eastern spadefoot toad tadpoles to pond drying is less impressive, especially if compared to the response of the North American spadefoot toads inhabiting desert environments.
Diplomatic Persuasion: An Under-Investigated Process
Authors: Kerr Pauline L.
Published: July 2010

The under-investigation in diplomatic studies of processes of persuasion in explaining diplomatic outcomes needs to be addressed in the interests of better scholarly explanations and diplomatic practice. Although such processes are implicit in nearly all concepts and practice of diplomacy, neither scholars nor practitioners explicitly investigate them. Yet other related fields of study and disciplines examine persuasion and demonstrate its explanatory value. Drawing on this literature, but also bearing in mind the nature of outcomes that diplomatic studies seeks to understand, this article offers a model of processes of persuasion and illustrates its potential for explaining a 2003 peace process negotiation in the Solomon Islands.
Is It Better to Be Good or Lucky? Decentralized Teacher Selection in 10 Elementary Schools
Authors: DeArmond Michael , Gross Betheny , Goldhaber Dan
Published: July 2010

In this article, the authors explore how school-based hiring reforms play out among schools serving different students in different locations within a single district. In particular, they consider how the intersection of school-based capacity and local school context affect teacher selection practice and outcomes. The analysis is based on a qualitative field study that describes recruitment and interview practices in 10 elementary schools in a large, decentralized urban school district. In addition to conducting interviews with school and district personnel, the authors observed a district-run training session for school-based interview teams and examined district and school documents, including district administrative data on vacancies and assignments for the 2006-2007 school year. All of the schools followed a common hiring procedure, but the authors found striking differences in the extent to which the schools actively recruited teachers and articulated consistent hiring priorities. The authors argue that these differences and the schools’ subsequent hiring outcomes are contingent on a complex interaction of school-based knowledge, resource constraints, and each school’s relative standing in the district’s internal labor market.The article highlights contingencies that offer an important caveat to the premise that school-based hiring will, by virtue of empowerment alone, lead to more effective teacher recruitment and selection.
The Nature, Meaning, and Measure of Teacher Flow in Elementary Schools: A Test of Rival Hypotheses
Authors: Beard Karen Stansberry , Hoy Wayne K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose: This inquiry is the first comprehensive, empirical analysis of the nature and measurement of flow in elementary teachers. The clearest sign of flow is the merging of action and awareness, that is, the degree to which an activity becomes spontaneous and automatic and individuals lose conscious awareness of themselves as they perform a task such as teaching. The basic objective of the research was to examine the theoretical structure and measurement of flow in elementary teachers. Research Methods: A typical sample of 260 elementary teachers from rural, urban, and suburban elementary schools in Ohio was used to test two rival explanations about the nature of flow. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the goodness of fit of the two models. Findings: Two rival explanations of flow, the Jackson-Marsh and the Quinn models, were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The Jackson-Marsh model of flow proved to be a better explanation of flow of elementary teachers than the Quinn model. Consistent with Csikszentmihalyi’s explanation of flow, the construct consists of nine elements, all of which form an integrated whole. In addition, and as predicted, optimism was positively related to flow. Discussion: Because most flow research has been in sports and leisure, Quinn’s research in knowledge work seemed especially relevant for the study of flow in teachers. In spite of that fact, the Jackson and Marsh model was the better fit; the Quinn model provided insight into the dynamics of flow in elementary schools. Finally, although optimism was positively related to flow, it was academic optimism, not dispositional optimism, that was a strong predictor of flow in elementary teachers. Conclusions: The nature of flow in schools is instructive, offering insight into the elements of flow and how they collectively and individually inform us in pursuit of optimal teaching and learning conditions, but much more research remains to be done.
The Meaning of Health in Rural Children: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Bilinski Hope N. , Duggleby Wendy , Rennie Donna
Published: July 2010

Gaining an understanding of the meaning of health in children may provide insight into factors that contribute to effective programs aimed at preventing diseases such as childhood obesity. A mixed methods design was used to explore the meaning of health of rural Saskatchewan children. A health questionnaire and Body Mass Index scores were collected from 99 children (Grades 1 to 7). A focused ethnographic approach was used to explore the meaning of health in a subset of 20 children (9 to 12 years old). Regardless of weight status, children described their meaning of health as Knowing Stuff, Having a Working Body, and Feeling Happy and suggested that Feeling Happy was most meaningful. The rural environment appeared to provide a sense of safety, security, and freedom. The researcher discovered the value children placed on the psychosocial dimension of health and provided insights into aspects that may foster healthy behaviors in this population.
Distribution of the Feline Calicivirus Receptor Junctional Adhesion Molecule A in Feline Tissues
Authors: Pesavento P. A. , Stokol T. , Liu H. , van der List D. A. , Gaffney P. M. , Parker J. S.
Published: July 2010

Junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A) is an immunoglobulin superfamily protein that plays an important role in the assembly and maintenance of tight junctions and the establishment of epithelial cell polarity. The feline JAM-A (fJAM-A) is a functional receptor for feline calicivirus (FCV). Among natural diseases associated with FCV infection, isolates that cause oral vesicular disease are detected in epithelial cells; however, isolates that cause systemic disease are detected in multiple cell types. The distribution of an FCV receptor or receptors in feline tissues is relevant to viral pathogenesis in that it should reflect the wide latitude of clinical sequelae associated with FCV infection. The authors examined the expression of feline JAM-A in the cat by using confocal immunofluorescence localization on normal tissues, with special regard to tissue targets of naturally occurring FCV. As described in the human and the mouse, fJAM-A was widely distributed in feline tissues, where it localized at cell–cell junctions of epithelial and endothelial cells. fJAM-A was highly expressed on feline platelets, with lower levels of expression on feline peripheral blood leukocytes. Additionally, FCV infection of a feline epithelial cell monolayer causes redistribution of fJAM-A to the cytosol of infected cells. It is reasonable to propose that the spectrum of lesions caused by FCV reflects disruption of intercellular junctions that rely on fJAM-A function and tight junctional integrity.
Primary Bilateral Pontine Demyelination in a Cat With Similarity to Central Pontine Myelinolysis
Authors: Poncelet L. , Salmon I. , Jolly S. , Summers B. A.
Published: July 2010

An adult cat was presented with the history of 3 months' weight loss and more recent loss of balance and ataxia. An abdominal mass was palpable; results of neurologic examination suggested a brainstem disorder. The owners elected euthanasia. Postmortem findings included suppurative jejunal lymphadenitis and bilateral demyelination in the ventral pons with sparing of axons and neuronal soma. The location and character of the lesion mimicked those of human central pontine myelinolysis, an iatrogenic condition that may follow rapid correction of hyponatremia or develop spontaneously in patients with malnutrition or energy deprivation. In this cat, the poor nutritional state may have contributed to the development of this novel pontine lesion.
Ambient suspended particulate matter and ionic speciation in Asian countries during 1998—2007
Authors: Fang Guor-Cheng , Liu Chia-Kuan
Published: July 2010

Atmospheric acid precursor emissions in Asia are increasing at a significant rate. This is expected to continue for the next several years. This main purpose for this study is to observe the concentration variations of PM2.5, PM2.5-10 , PM10, total suspended particulates (TSP), atmospheric particulates, and dry deposition fluxes of ionic species in Asian countries during the years 1998—2007. The results show that the average ionic species concentration order for chloride ions (Cl—) in PM 10 was China > Taiwan > Korea. The average ionic species concentration order for nitrate ions (NO3—) species in PM 10 was China > Taiwan > Korea for Asian countries. In addition, the average ionic species sulfate ion (SO42— ) concentrations in PM10 were 13.248 and 18.497 (μg/m 3) in Taiwan and China, respectively, during the years 1998—2006. However, the average ionic species concentrations order for ammonium ions (NH4+) in PM10 was Taiwan > China > Korea the years 2000—2006. Moreover, the average ionic species concentration order for chloride ions (Cl—) in PM2.5 was Japan> Taiwan> Korea> China in the years 1998—2006. And the average ionic species concentration order for nitrate ions (NO3—) in PM2.5 was Korea > China > Japan > Taiwan for Asian countries during 1998—2006. Moreover, the average ionic species concentration order for sulfate ions (SO42—) in PM 2.5 was China > Korea > Taiwan > Japan in the years 1998—2006. As for the average ionic species concentration order for ammonium ion (NH 4+) in PM2.5, China > Taiwan > Japan > Korea in the years 1999—2006. Finally, the mean ionic species of nitrate ions (NO3—), sulfate ions (SO42 —) and ammonium ions (NH4+) were found highest in China compared with the rest of the other Asian countries during the years 1998—2006.
Evaluation of neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects of trichloroacetic acid on rats
Authors: Celik Ismail , Isık Ismail , Kaya Mehmet Salih
Published: July 2010

This study was carried out to investigate the neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on rats at subchronic exposure. The neurotoxic effects of TCA were evaluated by measuring the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Biomarkers selected for immunotoxic monitoring were the activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in various tissues of rats exposed to 2000 parts per million (ppm) dosage of TCA for 52 days. Results showed that the administrations of TCA decreased BChE activities in heart and lungs tissue of the rats treated with TCA. With regard to the immunotoxic effects, ADA activity significantly decreased in the heart, lungs and spleen whereas MPO activity increased after subchronic exposure with 2000 ppm dosage in all of the tissues except for heart tissue of rats compared with controls. The observations presented led us to conclude that the administration of TCA at subchronic was decreased BChE and ADA activities whereas increased MPO activity in various tissues of rats. This may reflect the potential role of these parameters as useful biomarkers for toxicity of TCA.
Antimutagenic effects of lichen Pseudovernia furfuracea (L.) Zoph. extracts against the mutagenicity of aflatoxin B1 in vitro
Authors: Türkez Hasan , Geyikoglu Fatime , Aslan Ali , Karagöz Yalçin , Türkez Özlem , Anar Mustafa
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methanol, acetone, n-hexane and ether extracts obtained from Pseudovernia furfuracea on genotoxicity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in cultured human blood cells intoxicated with aflatoxin B 1 (AFB1). Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) tests were used for genotoxic influences estimation. In both the test systems, it was observed that P. furfuracea extracts suppressed the mutagenic effects of AFB1 due to the type of extracts added to the cultures. Furthermore, a significant reduction in plasma TAC was observed after AFB 1 treatment. Interestingly, the methanol and acetone extracts of the lichen recovered AFB1-induced TAC inhibition. The order of extracts of anti-genotoxicity efficacy against AFB1 was methanol, acetone, ether and n-hexane, respectively. In conclusion, P. furfuracea has been shown to modulate the adverse effects of AFB1 in human blood cells for the first time.
The rise and fall of wild boar in a northern environment: Evidence from stable isotopes and subfossil finds
Authors: Rosvold Jørgen , Halley Duncan J. , Hufthammer Anne Karin , Minagawa Masao , Andersen Reidar
Published: July 2010

Here we use long-term data from Holocene archaeological bone assemblages in order to investigate how changes in climate, vegetation and human land use might have influenced the distribution of wild boar ( Sus scrofa) in Norway during the Holocene. We combine four lines of evidence: an analysis of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in a time series of subfossil teeth, distribution data of bone finds from 31 archaeological sites, changes in the relative abundance of wild ungulates from four of these sites and historical documents. A significant change in Sus diet, indicated by δ15N levels, was found. This coincided with the spread of agriculture and indicates a change from wild boar to domestic pigs. Based on this finding the distributional data show that the Norwegian wild boar was limited to the coastal broadleaved forests even during the most optimal climatic period. A reduction in the relative abundance of wild boar, and later extinction, seems to coincide with a reduction in such habitat, caused partly by climatic change but more pronouncedly by human habitat alterations, and competition with domestic animals. The data indicate that the primary factor limiting the northern distribution of wild boar is the availability of food resources.
Effect of Vernonia cognata on oxidative damage induced by ethanol in rats
Authors: Mota CS , Freitas RB , Athayde ML , Boligon AA , Augusti PR , Somacal S. , Rocha MP , Bauermann LF
Published: July 2010

Free radicals production and oxidative stress play a central role in injuries caused by ethanol (EtOH) on gastric mucosal. Thus, strategies to counteract EtOH toxicity are highly desirable. This study was aimed at evaluating whether Vernonia cognata extract would reduce EtOH effects in rats. Rats received Vernonia cognata extract (0, 1 and 2 g/kg bw, by gavage) 1 hour after EtOH had been administered (0 or 70%, 0.5 mL/100 g bw, by gavage) and were killed 1 hour after Vernonia cognata extract administration. The stomach was removed for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation, as well as, oxidative stress markers such as lipoperoxidation (LPO) and non-protein thiol groups (NPSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity. EtOH acute exposure increased LPO and decreased NPSH levels and CAT activity along with macroscopic and microscopic lesions in gastric tissue, confirming the involvement of oxidative stress in EtOH toxicity. Vernonia cognata extract attenuated oxidative and histopathological features induced by EtOH at all evaluated doses. Moreover, both studied doses of Vernonia cognata extract caused an increase in NPSH levels per se. However, only the dose of 2 g/kg reverted all macroscopic changes caused by EtOH toxicity. The protective effect of the extract could be attributed to antioxidant molecules present in the extract, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thus, an antioxidant effect of the extract leads to a protection on gastric tissue. Our results indicate that Vernonia cognata hydroethanolic extract could have a beneficial role against EtOH toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and gastric tissue injury.
Side Shadowing Appreciative Inquiry: One Storyteller’s Commentary
Authors: Boje David M.
Published: July 2010

This is a commentary on an article by Fitzgerald, Oliver, and Hozsey appearing in this issue of Journal of Management Inquiry. I look at sideshadowing as a way out of the duality of an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) that does not look at critical analysis or collection of non-appreciative stories, and a critical approach that does not do appreciation. I conclude that AI uses a chronotope (defined by Bakhtin as relativity of time and space in narrative) that makes events conform that conforms to the views of positive science, positive organizational behavior, positive leadership, and positive thinking. This commentary therefore supports a more ‘critical’ version to AI.
Occupant’s Perception and Preference of Thermal Environment in Free-running Buildings in China
Authors: Baizhan Li  , Meilan Tan  , Hong Liu  , Xiaolei Ma  , Wenjie Zhang
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this paper was to present the occupants’ perception and preferences of thermal environments in free-running buildings in China. A study of the thermal environments in eight university dormitory buildings was conducted from September 2008 to July 2009 in Chongqing, China. A total of 1829 returned questionnaires were collected. Indoor and outdoor air temperatures, relative humidity and air velocities were measured while the questionnaire surveys were conducted. The scores were given based on the subjective scales used for the study on the students’ indoor thermal perception and preferences. The accepted temperature range was 15.9—28.2°C. The preferred temperature was about 23.2°C. The neutral temperature was 22.1° C. A higher tolerance of temperature was shown by the occupants in this sub-tropical climatic region of China. The relationship between thermal preference and actual thermal sensation in different seasons was also analysed. People’s air movement sensation was related to their thermal sensation. The majority of subjects (53%) were satisfied with their indoor air humidity when the thermal sensation was neutral. The relationship between humidity sensation and preferences showed that the effect of humidity on thermal comfort should not be ignored at high and low temperatures. Student dormitory buildings were used in this study to provide comparatively worse case information on occupants’ thermal comfort characteristics in residential buildings in China.
Human CD14hi monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells provide a cell contact–dependent costimulatory signal for early CD40 ligand expression
Authors: Chakrabarty Sagarika , Snyder James T. , Shen Jijia , Azmi Hooman , Hu Paul Q. , Chen Qian , Ragheb Jack A.
Published: July 2010

CD40L on CD4+ T cells plays a vital role in the activation of antigen-presenting cells, thus catalyzing a positive feedback loop for T-cell activation. Despite the pivotal juxtaposition of CD40L between antigen-presenting cells and T-cell activation, only a T-cell receptor stimulus is thought to be required for early CD40L surface expression. We show, for the first time, that CD40L expression on peripheral blood CD4+ T cells is highly dependent on a cell-cell interaction with CD14hiCD16− monocytes. Interactions with ICAM-1, LFA-3, and to a lesser extent CD80/CD86 contribute to this enhancement of CD40L expression but are not themselves sufficient. The contact-mediated increase in CD40L expression is dependent on new mRNA and protein synthesis. Circulating myeloid dendritic cells also possess this costimulatory activity. By contrast, CD14loCD16+ monocytes, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, B-cell lymphoma lines, and resting, activated, and Epstein-Barr virus–immortalized primary B cells all lack the capacity to up-regulate early CD40L. The latter indicates that a human B cell cannot activate its cognate T cell to deliver CD40L-mediated help. This finding has functional implications for the role of biphasic CD40L expression, suggesting that the early phase is associated with antigen-presenting cell activation, whereas the late phase is related to B-cell activation.
Immune activation induces immortalization of HTLV-1 LTR-Tax transgenic CD4+ T cells
Authors: Swaims Alison Y. , Khani Francesca , Zhang Yingyu , Roberts Arthur I. , Devadas Satish , Shi Yufang , Rabson Arnold B.
Published: July 2010

Infection with the human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) results in a variety of diseases including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Although the pathogenesis of these disorders is poorly understood, it involves complex interactions with the host immune system. Activation of infected T cells may play an important role in disease pathogenesis through induction of the oncogenic HTLV-1 Tax transactivator protein. To test this hypothesis, we employed transgenic mice in which Tax is regulated by the HTLV-1 LTR. T-cell receptor stimulation of LTR-Tax CD4+ T cells induced Tax expression, hyper-proliferation, and immortalization in culture. The transition to cellular immortalization was accompanied by markedly increased expression of the antiapoptotic gene, mcl-1, previously implicated as important in T-cell survival. Immortalized cells exhibited a CD4+CD25+CD3− phenotype commonly observed in ATL. Engraftment of activated LTR-Tax CD4+ T cells into NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγ null mice resulted in a leukemia-like phenotype with expansion and tissue infiltration of Tax+, CD4+ lymphocytes. We suggest that immune activation of infected CD4+ T cells plays an important role in the induction of Tax expression, T-cell proliferation, and pathogenesis of ATL in HTLV-1–infected individuals.
Beyond hairy cell: the activity of cladribine in other hematologic malignancies
Authors: Sigal Darren S. , Miller Heather J. , Schram Ethan D. , Saven Alan
Published: July 2010

Before the contemporary development of rationally designed antineoplastic therapies, cladribine was identified as a lymphocyte-specific agent. Its profound impact on the natural history of hairy cell leukemia, with responses approaching 100% and a median duration of response of nearly a decade after only a single 7-day course, is well known and revolutionized the treatment of hairy cell leukemia. However, cladribine's impressive activity in other lymphoproliferative disorders has been generally underappreciated. Multiple single-arm phase 2 trials have demonstrated cladribine's potency across the full spectrum of lymphoid malignancies. In a limited number of phase 3 trials and cross-study analyses, cladribine compared favorably with fludarabine, another purine nucleoside analog that is more commonly used in the treatment of indolent lymphoid malignancies. Cladribine has been noted to have particular activity among lymphoid disorders with few effective therapies, specifically, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. Recently approved novel agents may act in synergy with cladribine for these conditions and should be incorporated into future clinical studies.
Vimentin/cardiolipin complex as a new antigenic target of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Ortona Elena , Capozzi Antonella , Colasanti Tania , Conti Fabrizio , Alessandri Cristiano , Longo Agostina , Garofalo Tina , Margutti Paola , Misasi Roberta , Khamashta Munther A. , Hughes Graham R. V. , Valesini Guido , Sorice Maurizio
Published: July 2010

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and venous thrombosis, recurrent abortions, and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). However, it is possible to find patients with clinical signs of APS who persistently test negative for aPL (seronegative APS, or SN-APS). The aim of this study was to identify new antigenic target(s) of autoantibodies in APS patients, which may also be recognized in SN-APS. We tested sera from patients with SN-APS with a proteomic approach by analyzing endothelial cell-surface membrane proteins. Sera from SN-APS patients revealed 2 reactive spots corresponding to vimentin, a protein that is shown to bind cardiolipin in vitro. Antivimentin/cardiolipin antibodies were tested in 29 SN-APS patients, 40 APS patients, 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 30 with rheumatoid arthritis, 30 with venous or arterial thrombosis, and 32 healthy control patients. We observed that not only a large proportion of SN-APS patients but also almost all the APS patients displayed the presence of antivimentin/cardiolipin antibodies. To verify the possible pathogenic role of these autoantibodies, we demonstrated that affinity-purified antivimentin/cardiolipin antibodies induced interleukin receptor-associated kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB activation in endothelial cells. Our results prompt to identify vimentin as a “new” cofactor for aPL, which may represent a useful tool mainly in SN-APS patients.
Hydrogen peroxide stimulates nuclear import of the POU homeodomain protein Oct-1 and its repressive effect on the expression of Cdx-2
Authors: Wang Peixiang , Jin Tianru
Published: July 2010

Background

The ubiquitously expressed POU homeodomain protein Oct-1 serves as a sensor for stress induced by irradiation. We found recently that in pancreatic and intestinal endocrine cells, Oct-1 also functions as a sensor for cyclic AMP (cAMP). The caudal homeobox gene Cdx-2 is a transactivator of proglucagon (gcg) and pro-insulin genes. Oct-1 binds to Cdx-2 promoter and represses its expression. cAMP elevation leads to increased nuclear exclusion of Oct-1, associated with reduced recruitment of nuclear co-repressors to the Cdx-2 promoter and increased Cdx-2 expression.

Results

We show in this study that inducing oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increased nuclear Oct-1 content in both pancreatic α and β cell lines, as well as in a battery of other cells. This increase was then attributed to accelerated nuclear import of Oct-1, assessed by Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) using green fluorescence protein (EGFP) tagged Oct-1 molecule. H2O2 treatment was then shown to stimulate the activities of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Finally, increased Oct-1 nuclear content upon H2O2 treatment in a pancreatic α cell line was associated with reduced Cdx-2 and gcg mRNA expression.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that Oct-1 functions as a sensor for both metabolic and stress/survival signaling pathways via altering its nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling.