bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existential fulfilment, workload and work engagement among nurses
Authors: Tomic Marinka , Tomic Elvira
Published: October 2010

In contrast to workload, existential fulfilment and work engagement are positive dimensions of personal functioning in organisations. Research on positive dimensions fits into the context of positive psychology. Existential fulfilment, workload and engagement have not yet been investigated among nurses.

The relationships between existential fulfilment, workload and engagement, as well as the contribution of the first two concepts to engagement, are examined. In a cross-sectional survey, a random sample was drawn (N = 278) from a hospital population of nurses. Of this sample, 169 participants completed a questionnaire that included demographic, existential fulfilment, workload and engagement items. The response was 61%. Two dimensions of existential fulfilment, self-acceptance and self-actualisation, and the three engagement dimensions were positively correlated. Self-transcendence was associated with one engagement dimension, i.e. dedication. Self-actualisation explained a substantial percentage of variance in all three dimensions of engagement. Workload was negatively associated with engagement: the higher the workload scores, the lower the vigour and dedication scores. Workload explained a substantial percentage of variance in vigour and dedication. Self-actualisation and workload are important engagement determinants. The implications of the study are discussed.
Genetics and Intervention Research
Authors: Plomin Robert , Haworth Claire M.A.
Published: October 2010

As part of this special section on genetics and behavioral intervention, we discuss the articles by McGue, Osler, and Christensen (2010, this issue) and by Davey Smith (2010, this issue). In the second half of the present article, we consider the integration of genetics and intervention research more broadly. The two articles describe ways to use genetic controls to infer causation from correlational (“observational”) data without intervention. McGue et al. discuss the use of twins discordant for exposure, which is a variant of the cotwin control method. This method can show that the link between an exposure and outcome is not entirely mediated genetically. Davey Smith discusses a method called Mendelian randomization that uses DNA to draw causal inferences without the need for experimental intervention. Despite the possibilities for using genetic controls to infer causation from correlational data in order to attenuate the need for intervention studies, we are most excited about the opportunities for integrating genetics and intervention research, especially as new DNA technologies make it possible to incorporate genetics in any intervention research.
The relation of patient satisfaction and functional and cosmetic outcome after correction of the wrist flexion deformity in cerebral palsy
Authors: Libberecht K. , Sabapathy S. R. , Bhardwaj P.
Published: October 2010

Wrist flexion deformity in cerebral palsy is treated with flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor carpi radialis brevis transfer. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of this procedure and analyse the determining factors for patient satisfaction. Fifteen patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 23 months. The functional and cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated using patient rated scales. There was a strong and significant correlation between the cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction, but there was no significant correlation between functional improvement and patient satisfaction. When analysing the cosmetic outcome in relation to the time since surgery, there was a decrease in the patient rated improvement over time. It seems that patient satisfaction is mainly determined by the cosmetic result, but the improvement, or the perception of it, tends to diminish over time. Fourteen out of 15 patients felt that the procedure was worthwhile and eight of them felt that the result was good or excellent.
Functional restoration after early tendon transfer in high radial nerve paralysis
Authors: Dabas V. , Suri T. , Surapuraju P. K. , Sural S. , Dhal A.
Published: October 2010

We assessed the effect of an early transfer of pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis on hand function in patients with high radial nerve paralysis. Power grip and precision grip were measured preoperatively and postoperatively using a dynamometer. Fifteen patients were operated on, of which ten could be assessed at the end of 6 months. At 6 months after surgery, there was a median increase of 48% in power grip, 162% in tip pinch, 90% in key pinch and 98% in palmar pinch. Decreased palmar flexion was seen in four patients. Fraying of the periosteal extension and rupture of sutures at the junction site were each seen in one patient, leading to unsatisfactory results. Early tendon transfer quickly restored efficient grip while awaiting reinnervation of wrist extensors, avoiding the need for prolonged external splintage.
Management of community-acquired pneumonia: a review and update
Authors: Brar Navdeep K. , Niederman Michael S.
Published: October 2010

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting approximately 5.6 million patients annually in the USA, where the annual cost exceeds US$12 billion. Optimal management should be based on knowledge of the most likely etiologic pathogens for each patient, based on an assessment of specific risk factors. It is also essential to assess severity of illness, to determine the appropriate site of care, and to order appropriate diagnostic testing. New developments in CAP management have focused on recognizing newly identified pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and novel H1N1 influenza, understanding when to utilize new microbiological diagnostic techniques, and how to use biomarkers to direct the appropriate utilization of antibiotics and to define the duration of therapy. This paper reviews recent advances in our knowledge about the diagnosis and optimal management of CAP.
Does the use of a theoretical approach tell us more about hand hygiene behaviour? The barriers and levers to hand hygiene
Authors: Dyson Judith , Lawton Rebecca , Jackson Cath , Cheater Francine
Published: October 2010

Background: Despite many strategies employed to improve hand hygiene, compliance remains low at around 50%. Two reasons have been identified for this. First, implementation strategies are rarely tailored according to assessed barriers and levers to best practice. Secondly there is a lack of explicit theoretical basis for the assessment of these barriers and levers to practice. Aim: This paper reports barriers and levers to hand hygiene and an evaluation of the use of theory in assessing barriers and levers to hand hygiene. Methods: Identification of barriers and levers occurred through interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. In each case two different question schedules were used, one based on psychological theory and the other with no explicit theoretical underpinning. Results: Although there was considerable overlap in the barriers and levers identified using the two schedules there were also marked differences. Conclusions: Identification of further barriers and levers may help us address lack of compliance with hand hygiene. Using a theoretical framework may prompt the identification of barriers that people may not ordinarily report but which have an important impact on behaviour, particularly emotion.
Microbial contamination of light curing units: a pilot study
Authors: Janoowalla Z. , Porter K. , Shortall ACC , Burke FJT , Sammons RL
Published: October 2010

Visible light units (LCU) used in routine dentistry to cure light activated materials may become contaminated with oral micro-organisms. This pilot study was designed to investigate whether the fan, handle and base unit mains on/off button areas of three different designs of quartz tungsten halogen LCUs (3M Unitek 2500, Elipar Highlight, Demetron Optilux 401) were effectively disinfected after use in a dental teaching hospital. Over a period of seven days 52 LCUs were swabbed before clinics in the morning and 28 were swabbed again after clinics in the afternoon. Bacterial contamination was detected on approximately 40% (20/52) of units before use and 64% (18/28) after use: few viable organisms were detected on the fan or handle areas, but many were isolated from the mains button, including Staphylococus aureus. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the potential risk of contamination of the base unit and compliance with recommendations to clean and disinfect all areas of the units.
Incidence of Wrong-Site Surgery Among Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Authors: Schweitzer Karl M. , Brimmo Olubusola , May Ryan , Parekh Selene G.
Published: October 2010

In 1998, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons initiated the “sign your site” campaign to address the issue of wrong-site surgery (WSS). Using a confidential online survey sent to 1094 active members of the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the authors assessed participation in the “sign your site” campaign and the occurrence of WSS encountered during their careers. A total of 319 responses were received (response rate = 29.2%). In all, 41 of 310 respondents (13%) reported performing WSS at least once, with 4 surgeons (1%) reporting the occurrence twice in their careers; 70 of 310 (23%) surgeons reported that they had prepped the wrong surgical site, but the error was recognized prior to making an incision. In all, 302 of 309 respondents (97.7%) reported that they were aware of the “sign your site” initiative. Since the introduction of the campaign, significantly more (89.2% vs 49.2%) foot and ankle surgeons routinely mark the surgical site (P < .001). The Joint Commission revised the universal protocol for surgical site verification requiring an individual directly involved in a surgical procedure to mark the site as of January 1, 2009. The authors believe this revision will lower the incidence of WSS further.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Analyses of HLA-C–specific KIR repertoires in donors with group A and B haplotypes suggest a ligand-instructed model of NK cell receptor acquisition
Authors: Schönberg Kathrin , Sribar Martina , Enczmann Jürgen , Fischer Johannes C. , Uhrberg Markus
Published: October 2010

To determine the influence of KIR and HLA class I polymorphism on human NK cell repertoires, 32 different clonotypes representing all possible combinations of 4 inhibitory KIR and NKG2A were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. In donors homozygous for the common group A KIR haplotype, a significant influence of HLA-C ligands was seen: KIR repertoires were dominated by clonotypes expressing a single KIR for the respective cognate ligand, either the C1-specific KIR2DL3 or C2-specific KIR2DL1. In contrast, in donors possessing the polymorphic group B haplotypes, a similar adaptation to cognate HLA-C was lacking. We suggest that this discrepancy is largely the result of a suppressive effect of the group B–specific KIR2DL2 on the frequency of KIR2DL1+ NK cells. In functional assays, KIR2DL2 not only recognized C1 but also C2 ligands, showing overlapping specificity with KIR2DL1. Moreover, using an NK cell differentiation assay we show sequential acquisition of KIR2DL2 before KIR2DL1 on developing NK cells. Together, these observations are compatible with a ligand-instructed model of NK cell education, in which recognition of HLA class I by an inhibitory receptor (KIR2DL2) suppresses subsequent expression of a second receptor (KIR2DL1) of related specificity. Importantly, the ligand-instructed model fits to the observed KIR repertoires in both broad KIR haplotype groups.
Early lymphocyte recovery after intensive timed sequential chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia: peripheral oligoclonal expansion of regulatory T cells
Authors: Kanakry Christopher G. , Hess Allan D. , Gocke Christopher D. , Thoburn Christopher , Kos Ferdynand , Meyer Christian , Briel Janet , Luznik Leo , Smith B. Douglas , Levitsky Hyam , Karp Judith E.
Published: October 2010

Few published studies characterize early lymphocyte recovery after intensive chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). To test the hypothesis that lymphocyte recovery mirrors ontogeny, we characterized early lymphocyte recovery in 20 consecutive patients undergoing induction timed sequential chemotherapy for newly diagnosed AML. Recovering T lymphocytes were predominantly CD4+ and included a greatly expanded population of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. Recovering CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells were phenotypically activated regulatory T cells and showed suppressive activity on cytokine production in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. Despite an initial burst of thymopoiesis, most recovering regulatory T cells were peripherally derived. Furthermore, regulatory T cells showed marked oligoclonal skewing, suggesting that their peripheral expansion was antigen-driven. Overall, lymphocyte recovery after chemotherapy differs from ontogeny, specifically identifying a peripherally expanded oligoclonal population of activated regulatory T lymphocytes. These differences suggest a stereotyped immunologic recovery shared by patients with newly diagnosed AML after induction timed sequential chemotherapy. Further insight into this oligoclonal regulatory T-cell population will be fundamental toward developing effective immunomodulatory techniques to improve survival for patients with AML.
A novel NUP98/RARG gene fusion in acute myeloid leukemia resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Such Esperanza , Cervera José , Valencia Ana , Barragán Eva , Ibañez Mariam , Luna Irene , Fuster Óscar , Perez-Sirvent Maria Luz , Senent Leonor , Sempere Amparo , Martinez Jesús , Martín-Aragonés Guillermo , Sanz Miguel A.
Published: October 2010

Chromosomal translocations in hematological malignancies often result in novel fusion chimeric genes. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia with a clonal translocation t(11;12)(p15;q13) displaying morphologic and immunophenotypic features resembling the classical hypergranular subtype of acute promyelocytic leukemia. The gene fused to NUP98 (nucleoporin 98) was detected by comparative genomic hybridization array as the retinoid acid receptor gamma gene (RARG). The involvement of RARG in a chimeric fusion transcript has not been reported previously in human leukemia.
Determination of acute lung injury after repeated platelet transfusions
Authors: Corash Laurence , Lin Jin Sying , Sherman Claire D. , Eiden Joseph
Published: October 2010

Acute lung injury (ALI) during hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is associated with substantial morbidity; however, the frequency of ALI in HSCT patients is poorly characterized. Platelets are postulated to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ALI. Using a transfusion trial of pathogen inactivated platelet components (PC-Test) compared with conventional PC (Reference) populated with HSCT patients, data were reviewed by an adjudication panel to determine the frequency of ALI overall, by treatment groups, and key outcomes: PC exposure, ventilator-free days, and mortality. The diagnosis of ALI was based on American European Consensus Criteria. Of 645 patients who received PC over 28 days, 100 (15.5%) had clinically serious pulmonary adverse events, and 35 (5.4%) met criteria for ALI. Days of platelet support and number of platelet transfusions for patients with ALI were not significantly different from patients without ALI (P > .05). Mortality was greater for patients with ALI (57%) than those without (17%, P < .001) but not significantly different between treatment groups. For patients with ALI, the distributions of time to onset of mechanical ventilation were significantly different (P = .04). Patients supported with Reference PC were more likely to be ventilated sooner than patients receiving Test PC.
CTD small phosphatase like 2 (CTDSPL2) can increase ε- and γ-globin gene expression in K562 cells and CD34+ cells derived from umbilical cord blood
Authors: Ma Yan-Ni , Zhang Xin , Yu Hai-Chuan , Zhang Jun-Wu
Published: October 2010

Background

A potential strategy for treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia in adults is reactivation of the ε- and γ-globin genes in the adult. We aimed to identify trans-activators of ε- and γ-globin expression and provide new candidate targets for effective treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia through activation of ε- and γ-globin genes in adults.

Results

We identified a CTD small phosphatase like 2 (CTDSPL2) gene that had higher transcription levels in umbilical cord blood (UCB) than in adult bone marrow (BM). Also, transcription of the CTDSPL2 gene increased significantly during erythroid differentiation. Further, we found that overexpression of CTDSPL2 could obviously improve the expression of ε- and γ-globin genes in K562 cells. Meanwhile, the repression of CTDSPL2 by RNA interference decreased expression of ε- and γ-globin genes but did not inhibit the increase of globin gene expression during K562 erythroid differentiation. In addition, the enforced expression of CTDSPL2 gene mediated by lentiviruses could also increase ε- and γ-globin gene expression during erythroid differentiation of CD34+ cells derived from UCB.

Conclusion

CTDSPL2 gene can obviously improve the expression of ε- and γ-globin genes in K562 cells and CD34+ cells derived from UCB. Our study provides a new candidate target for effective treatment of SCD and β-thalassemia.
Genome-wide regulation of innate immunity by juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone in the Bombyx fat body
Authors: Tian Ling , Guo Enen , Diao Yupu , Zhou Shun , Peng Qin , Cao Yang , Ling Erjun , Li Sheng
Published: October 2010

Background

Insect innate immunity can be affected by juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), but how innate immunity is developmentally regulated by these two hormones in insects has not yet been elucidated. In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, JH and 20E levels are high during the final larval molt (4 M) but absent during the feeding stage of 5th instar (5 F), while JH level is low and 20E level is high during the prepupal stage (PP). Fat body produces humoral response molecules and hence is considered as the major organ involved in innate immunity.

Results

A genome-wide microarray analysis of Bombyx fat body isolated from 4 M, 5 F and PP uncovered a large number of differentially-expressed genes. Most notably, 6 antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes were up-regulated at 4 M versus PP suggesting that Bombyx innate immunity is developmentally regulated by the two hormones. First, JH treatment dramatically increased AMP mRNA levels and activities. Furthermore, 20E treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on AMP mRNA levels and activities, and RNA interference of the 20E receptor EcR-USP had the opposite effects to 20E treatment.

Conclusion

Taken together, we demonstrate that JH acts as an immune-activator while 20E inhibits innate immunity in the fat body during Bombyx postembryonic development.
Genome-wide analysis of the effect of histone modifications on the coexpression of neighboring genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Deng Yangyang , Dai Xianhua , Xiang Qian , Dai Zhiming , He Caisheng , Wang Jiang , Feng Jihua
Published: October 2010

Background

Neighboring gene pairs in the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have a tendency to be expressed at the same time. The distribution of histone modifications along chromatin fibers is suggested to be an important mechanism responsible for such coexpression. However, the extent of the contribution of histone modifications to the coexpression of neighboring genes is unclear.

Results

We investigated the similarity of histone modification between neighboring genes using autocorrelation analysis and composite profiles. Our analysis showed that neighboring genes had similar levels or changes of histone modifications, especially those transcribed in the same direction. The similarities, however, were restricted to 1 or 2 neighboring genes. Moreover, the expression of a gene was significantly correlated with histone modification of its neighboring gene(s), but this was limited to only 1 or 2 neighbors. Using a hidden Markov model (HMM), we found more than 2000 chromatin domains with similar acetylation changes as the cultures changed and a considerable number of these domains covered 2-4 genes. Gene pairs within domains exhibited a higher level of coexpression than random pairs and shared similar functions.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that similar histone modifications occur within only a small local chromatin region in yeast. The modifications generally have an effect on coexpression with only 1 or 2 neighboring genes. Some blocking mechanism(s) might strictly restrain the distribution of histone modifications in yeast.
p27Kip1deficiency promotes prostate carcinogenesis but does not affect the efficacy of retinoids in suppressing the neoplastic process
Authors: Taylor Winna , Mathias Amanda , Ali Arshia , Ke Hengning , Stoynev Nikolay , Shilkaitis Anne , Green Albert , Kiyokawa Hiroaki , Christov Konstantin
Published: October 2010

Background

p27 is a cell cycle suppressor gene, whose protein is a negative regulator of cyclin/cdk complexes. p27 is also a potential target of retinoids in cancer prevention studies. In benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and in most carcinomas, p27Kip1 is down-regulated, suggesting its potential resistance to retinoids. To test this hypothesis, we examined the efficacy of 9-cis retinoic acid (9cRA) to suppress prostate cell proliferation (PECP) and carcinogenesis in p27Kip1 deficient mice.

Methods

p27Kip1 deficient (-/-), heterozygous (+/-) and homozygous (+/+) mice were treated for 7 days with testosterone, 9cRA, or with both, and cell proliferation in dorsolateral prostate (DLP) was determined by BrdU labeling. Prostate carcinogenesis was induced by N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) and hormone stimulation.

Results

PECP in DLP of two-month-old mice of all genotypes was similar but significantly increased in old p27-/- mice only. Testosterone treatment increased PECP in all three p27 genotypes with the highest values in p27-/- mice. p27Kip1 deficiency did not affect the response of PEC to 9cRA and to 9cRA+testosterone. The decrease of p27Kip1 in p27+/- and p27-/- mice progressively increased the incidence and frequency of PIN and tumors. 9cRA suppressed PIN in all three p27 genotypes and this was associated with decreased PECP and increased cellular senescence.

Conclusions

This data indicates that p27Kip1 deficiency promotes prostate cell proliferation and carcinogenesis but does not affect 9cRA's potential to suppress prostate carcinogenesis, suggesting that patients with PIN and carcinomas lacking or having a low level of p27Kip1 expression may also benefit from clinical trials with retinoids.
Development of mental health first aid guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing problems with substance use: a Delphi study
Authors: Hart Laura M , Bourchier Sarah J , Jorm Anthony F , Kanowski Leonard G , Kingston Anna H , Stanley Donna , Lubman Dan I
Published: October 2010

Background

Problems with substance use are common in some Aboriginal communities. Although problems with substance use are associated with significant mortality and morbidity, many people who experience them do not seek help. Training in mental health first aid has been shown to be effective in increasing knowledge of symptoms and behaviours associated with seeking help. The current study aimed to develop culturally appropriate guidelines for providing mental health first aid to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is experiencing problem drinking or problem drug use (e.g. abuse or dependence).

Methods

Twenty-eight Aboriginal health experts participated in two independent Delphi studies (n = 22 problem drinking study, n = 21 problem drug use; 15 participated in both). Panellists were presented with statements about possible first aid actions via online questionnaires and were encouraged to suggest additional actions not covered by the content. Statements were accepted for inclusion in the guidelines if they were endorsed by ≥ 90% of panellists as either 'Essential' or 'Important'. At the end of the two Delphi studies, participants were asked to give feedback on the value of the project and their participation experience.

Results

From a total of 735 statements presented over two studies, 429 were endorsed (223 problem drinking, 206 problem drug use). Statements were grouped into sections based on common themes (n = 7 problem drinking, n = 8 problem drug use), then written into guideline documents. Participants evaluated the Delphi method employed, and the guidelines developed, as useful and appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Conclusions

Aboriginal health experts were able to reach consensus about culturally appropriate first aid for problems with substance use. Many first aid actions endorsed in the current studies were not endorsed in previous international Delphi studies, conducted on problem drinking and problem drug use in non-Indigenous people, highlighting the need for culturally specific first aid strategies to be employed when assisting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
Identification of differences in human and great ape phytanic acid metabolism that could influence gene expression profiles and physiological functions
Authors: Watkins Paul A , Moser Ann B , Toomer Cicely B , Steinberg Steven J , Moser Hugo W , Karaman Mazen W , Ramaswamy Krishna , Siegmund Kimberly D , Lee D Rick , Ely John J , Ryder Oliver A , Hacia Joseph G
Published: October 2010

Background

It has been proposed that anatomical differences in human and great ape guts arose in response to species-specific diets and energy demands. To investigate functional genomic consequences of these differences, we compared their physiological levels of phytanic acid, a branched chain fatty acid that can be derived from the microbial degradation of chlorophyll in ruminant guts. Humans who accumulate large stores of phytanic acid commonly develop cerebellar ataxia, peripheral polyneuropathy, and retinitis pigmentosa in addition to other medical conditions. Furthermore, phytanic acid is an activator of the PPAR-alpha transcription factor that influences the expression of genes relevant to lipid metabolism.

Results

Despite their trace dietary phytanic acid intake, all great ape species had elevated red blood cell (RBC) phytanic acid levels relative to humans on diverse diets. Unlike humans, chimpanzees showed sexual dimorphism in RBC phytanic acid levels, which were higher in males relative to females. Cultured skin fibroblasts from all species had a robust capacity to degrade phytanic acid. We provide indirect evidence that great apes, in contrast to humans, derive significant amounts of phytanic acid from the hindgut fermentation of plant materials. This would represent a novel reduction of metabolic activity in humans relative to the great apes.

Conclusion

We identified differences in the physiological levels of phytanic acid in humans and great apes and propose this is causally related to their gut anatomies and microbiomes. Phytanic acid levels could contribute to cross-species and sex-specific differences in human and great ape transcriptomes, especially those related to lipid metabolism. Based on the medical conditions caused by phytanic acid accumulation, we suggest that differences in phytanic acid metabolism could influence the functions of human and great ape nervous, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems.
Effect of ω-3 and ω-9 fatty acid rich oils on lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases enzymes and on the growth of a mammary adenocarcinoma model
Authors: Comba Andrea , Maestri Damian M , Berra María A , Garcia Carolina Paola , Das Undurti N , Eynard Aldo R , Pasqualini María E
Published: October 2010

Background

Nutritional factors play a major role in cancer initiation and development. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have the ability to induce modifications in the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that affect tumour growth. We studied the effect of two diets enriched in 6% Walnut and Peanut oils that are rich in ω-3 and ω9 PUFAs respectively on a murine mammary gland adenocarcinoma as compared with the control (C) that received commercial diet.

Results

Peanut oil enriched diet induced an increase in membrane arachidonic acid (AA) content and the cyclooxygenase enzyme derived 12-HHT (p < 0.05) and simultaneously showed decrease in 12-LOX, 15-LOX-2, 15-LOX-1 and PGE activities (p < 0.05) that corresponded to higher apoptosis and lower mitosis seen in this group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Peanut oil group showed lower T-cell infiltration (p < 0.05), number of metastasis (p < 0.05) and tumour volume (p < 0.05) and longer survival rate compared to other groups.

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that Peanut oil-enriched diet protects against mammary cancer development by modulating tumour membrane fatty acids composition and LOX and COX enzyme activities.
HIV-1 subtype distribution in the Gambia and the significant presence of CRF49_cpx, a novel circulating recombinant form
Authors: de Silva Thushan I , Turner Roxanne , Hué Stéphane , Trikha Roochi , van Tienen Carla , Onyango Clayton , Jaye Assan , Foley Brian , Whittle Hilton , Rowland-Jones Sarah L , Cotten Matthew
Published: October 2010

Background

Detailed local HIV-1 sequence data are essential for monitoring the HIV epidemic, for maintaining sensitive sequence-based diagnostics, and to aid in designing vaccines.

Results

Reported here are full envelope sequences derived from 38 randomly selected HIV-1 infections identified at a Gambian clinic between 1991 and 2009. Special care was taken to generate sequences from circulating viral RNA as uncloned products, either by limiting dilution or single genome amplification polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Within these 38 isolates, eight were subtyped as A and 18 as CRF02_AG. A small number of subtype B, C, D viruses were identified. Surprising, however, was the identification of six isolates with subtype J-like envelopes, a subtype found normally in Central Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with gag p24 regions that clustered with subtype A sequences. Near full-length sequence from three of these isolates confirmed that these represent a novel circulating recombinant form of HIV-1, now named CRF49_cpx.

Conclusions

This study expands the HIV-1 sequence database from the Gambia and will provide important data for HIV diagnostics, patient care, and vaccine development.
Antisense tools for functional studies of human Argonaute proteins
Authors: Mescalchin Alessandra , Detzer Anke , Weirauch Ulrike , Hahnel Maximilian J. , Engel Christina , Sczakiel Georg
Published: October 2010

The Argonaute proteins play essential roles in development and cellular metabolism in many organisms, including plants, flies, worms, and mammals. Whereas in organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Arabidopsis thaliana, creation of Argonaute mutant strains allowed the study of their biological functions, in mammals the application of this approach is limited by its difficulty and in the specific case of Ago2 gene, by the lethality of such mutation. Hence, in human cells, functional studies of Ago proteins relied on phenotypic suppression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) which involves Ago proteins and the RNA interference mechanism. This bears the danger of undesired or unknown interference effects which may lead to misleading results. Thus, alternative methods acting by different regulatory mechanisms would be advantageous in order to exclude unspecific effects. The knockdown may be achieved by using specific antisense oligonucleotides (asONs) which act via an RNase H-dependent mechanism, not thought to interfere with processes in which Agos are involved. Different functional observations in the use of siRNA versus asONs indicate the relevance of this assumption. We developed asONs specific for the four human Agos (hAgos) and compared their activities with those obtained by siRNA. We confirm that hAgo2 is involved in microRNA (miRNA)- and in siRNA-mediated silencing pathways, while the other hAgos play a role only in miRNA-based gene regulation. Using combinations of asONs we found that the simultaneous down-regulation of hAgo1, hAgo2, and hAgo4 led to the strongest decrease in miRNA activity, indicating a main role of these proteins.
Assembly and activation of a kinase ribozyme
Authors: Burke Donald H. , Rhee Steven S.
Published: October 2010

RNA activities can be regulated by modulating the relative energies of all conformations in a folding landscape; however, it is often unknown precisely how peripheral elements perturb the overall landscape in the absence of discrete alternative folds (inactive ensemble). This work explores the effects of sequence and secondary structure in governing kinase ribozyme activity. Kin.46 catalyzes thiophosphoryl transfer from ATPγS onto the 5′ hydroxyl of polynucleotide substrates, and is regulated 10,000-fold by annealing an effector oligonucleotide to form activator helix P4. Transfer kinetics for an extensive series of ribozyme variants identified several dispensable internal single-stranded segments, in addition to a potential pseudoknot at the active site between segments J1/4 and J3/2 that is partially supported by compensatory rescue. Standard allosteric mechanisms were ruled out, such as formation of discrete repressive structures or docking P4 into the rest of the ribozyme via backbone 2′ hydroxyls. Instead, P4 serves both to complete an important structural element (100-fold contribution to the reaction relative to a P4-deleted variant) and to mitigate nonspecific, inhibitory effects of the single-stranded tail (an additional 100-fold contribution to the apparent rate constant, kobs). Thermodynamic activation parameters ΔH‡ and ΔS‡, calculated from the temperature dependence of kobs, varied with tail length and sequence. Inhibitory effects of the unpaired tail are largely enthalpic for short tails and are both enthalpic and entropic for longer tails. These results refine the structural view of this kinase ribozyme and highlight the importance of nonspecific ensemble effects in conformational regulation by peripheral elements.
Viscoelastic properties of woody hemp core
Authors: Bag Rahime , Beaugrand Johnny , Dole Patrice , Kurek Bernard
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of removing extractives from the woody core of hemp (chènevotte) on the chain mobility of hemicelluloses and lignins, which can react during technological transformation such as de-fibering and/or composite materials production. Extractives are molecules with low molecular weight, which are present in the cell wall matrix and can be readily removed by solvents. In the present paper, the nature and amounts of extractives, removed under different conditions and with solvents of different polarities, were determined. The mobility and structural relaxations of lignins and hemicelluloses were stu-died in situ by dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric analysis under controlled moisture content. Extractions at low temperature led to rigidification of lignins and plasticizing of hemicelluloses, probably due to local changes by the selective removal of molecules interacting with the polymers. Probably, the accessibility of hemicelluloses to plasticizing water was increased at controlled humidity. In contrast, hot extractions including water induced rigidification of the hemi-celluloses and plasticizing of lignins. This could be related to a combination of molecule extractions and chemical modi-fications of both polymers. This interpretation is supported by the variation of activation energy for relaxation of hemi-celluloses. It can be concluded that each type of extraction has a clear specific effect on the relaxation properties of the amorphous cell wall polymers.
Counting the losses: numbers as the language of language endangerment
Authors: Moore Robert E , Pietikäinen Sari , Blommaert Jan
Published: October 2010

This paper provides a set of critical reflections on the use(s) of numbers to communicate facts about the changing dynamics of speech communities undergoing language shift. Such numerical representations are widespread, and they are of important in segments of language expertise. After a literature survey of counting practices, the paper focuses on three language-ideological decisions underpinning language counting: First, decisions need to be made as to who counts as a speaker. In discussions of language endangerment, speaker counts are the most important single index of the endangered character of the language. Secondly, in order to count the number of distinct languages in a region, country, or world area, decisions must be made which privilege a notion of languages as bounded, closed, and geographically fixed entities. Finally, decisions need to be made with respect to the domains in which “small,” endangered, or minority languages continue to be used. From the discussion of domains we develop an alternative vision that centers not on distinct, named, countable languages, but on speakers and repertoires, and on the actual resources that speakers deploy in actual contexts. The contemporary situation of speakers of indigenous Sami, African and Native American languages will be drawn upon for examples.
Effects of sociolinguistic environment and the length of residence on the linguistic performance in Catalan and Spanish of sixth grade immigrant pupils in Catalonia
Authors: Oller Judith , Vila Ignasi
Published: October 2010

The vast arrival of immigrant pupils has challenged the capability of our educational systems to cope with students’ diversity in classrooms. Newcomer students in Spain perform lower than their national pairs (INECSE, 2005; MEC, 2007) and it seems these results are related with the poor proficiency in the school language that they are developing (OCDE, 2006; Maruny & Molina, 2000;
Self-reporting versus parental reporting of physical activity in adolescents: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Reichert Felipe F. , Menezes Ana M. B. , Araújo Cora Luiza , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to verify the agreement between different approaches for estimating levels of physical activity in adolescents. One questionnaire was administered to parents and two were administered to the adolescents. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in the 2004-2005 follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study. Parents or guardians answered the following question: "Compared to most children the same age, would you say that your child exercises more, less, or the same amount?" A similar question was addressed to adolescents, as was a detailed questionnaire on physical activity. Agreement between the questionnaires was measured by the weighted kappa statistic. A total of 4,254 adolescents and parents/guardians answered the questionnaires. Kappa values indicated low agreement for all comparisons (kappa < 0.33 for all analyses). Measurement of physical activity in adolescents is complex, and available instruments should be validated prior to their use.
Oral health follow-up studies in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study: methodology and principal results
Authors: Peres Marco A. , Barros Aluísio Jardim , Peres Karen Glazer , Araújo Cora Luiza , Menezes Ana M. B. , Hallal Pedro C. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to describe oral health follow-up studies nested in a birth cohort. A population-based birth cohort was launched in 1993 in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Two oral health follow-up studies were conducted at six (n = 359) and 12 (n = 339) years of age. A high response rate was observed at 12 years of age; 94.4% of the children examined at six years of age were restudied in 2005. The mean DMF-T index at age 12 was 1.2 (SD = 1.6) for the entire sample, ranging from 0.6 (SD = 1.1) for children that were caries-free at age six, 1.3 (SD = 1.5) for those with 1-3 carious teeth at six years, and 1.8 (SD = 1.8) for those with 4-19 carious teeth at six years (p < 0.01). The number of individuals with severe malocclusions at 12 years was proportional to the number of malocclusions at six years. Oral health problems in early adolescence were more prevalent in individuals with dental problems at six years of age.
Sex Differences in Gingivitis Relate to Interaction of Oral Health Behaviors in Young People
Authors: Furuta Michiko , Ekuni Daisuke , Irie Koichiro , Azuma Tetsuji , Tomofuji Takaaki , Ogura Toshio , Morita Manabu
Published: October 2010

Background:Although many epidemiologic surveys have shown that gingivitis is more prevalent in males than in females, few studies have clearly explained what causes this difference. The objective of the present study is to explain the sex difference in gingivitis based on the interaction between oral health behaviors and related factors, such as knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle, in young people.

Methods:The study was comprised of 838 subjects (440 males and 398 females), aged 18 and 19 years. Gingivitis was assessed by the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP). Additional information was collected regarding oral hygiene status, oral health behaviors, and related factors. Structural equation modeling was used to test pathways from these factors to %BOP. Multiple‐group modeling was also conducted to test for sex differences.

Results:Females had greater knowledge, a more positive attitude, a healthier lifestyle, and higher level of oral health behaviors than males. There were significant differences in the paths (i.e., from lifestyle, knowledge, and attitude to %BOP) through oral health behaviors and oral health status.

Conclusions:Sex‐based differences in gingivitis in young people can be explained by oral health behaviors and hygiene status, which are influenced by lifestyle, knowledge, and attitude. To prevent gingivitis, different approaches to males and females may be useful.
Inhibitory effect of copper on enhanced biological phosphorus removal
Authors: Wu Guangxue , Rodgers Michael
Published: October 2010

Copper inhibition of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) was examined in batch experiments under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Inhibition was represented by both acetate uptake and phosphorus release coefficients under anaerobic conditions, and by a phosphorus uptake coefficient under aerobic conditions. The results showed that copper inhibition of EBPR occurred mainly during aerobic phosphorus uptake and a first-order phosphorus uptake coefficient can be better used to describe the inhibition effect. For the aerobic phosphorus uptake using the EBPR activated sludge, (i) copper inhibition started at 0.07 mg/l, (ii) 50% and 100% inhibition occurred at 0.30 mg/l and 0.53 mg/l, respectively, and (iii) the inhibition constant was 0.48 mg/l.
Chemical components of bleached eucalypt kraft pulp effluent COD and treatment removal efficiency during normal mill operation and maintenance shutdowns
Authors: Rodrigues C. L. S. , Mounteer A. H. , Stoppa T. V. , Dalvi L. C.
Published: October 2010

In order to meet increasingly strict Brazilian COD emissions limits, mills must understand the components that contribute to effluent COD, how these vary between normal mill operation and maintenance shutdowns, and how this variation affects treatment efficiency. To this end, primary and secondary effluents from a Brazilian bleached eucalypt kraft pulp mill activated sludge system were analyzed for COD, lignin, extractives, carbohydrates and AOX over a sixth month period that included two general maintenance shutdowns and four months of normal operation. Primary effluent presented significantly different compositions during periods of normal operation and mill shutdowns. During normal operation, the main components of effluent COD (909 mg/l average) were carbohydrates, followed by lignin. However, the lignin fraction was the main component of secondary effluent COD during both normal operation and mill shutdowns. Higher removal efficiencies for COD carbohydrates and AOX were observed during normal operation compared to shutdowns, while no difference in removal efficiencies of lignin and extractives was observed. Carbohydrate removal efficiency was significantly lower in one of the parallel treatment lines. The different removal efficiencies reflect not only variations in effluent composition, but possibly differences in system operational control which should be explored in greater detail
Supporting College Students' Ill-Structured Problem Solving in a Web-Based Learning Environment
Authors: Bixler Brett A. , Land Susan M.
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of using cognitive and metacognitive prompting strategies in a web-based learning environment to engage college students in a complex, ill-structured task. The course context was a freshman/sophomore level Information Sciences and Technology course, and the topic was web design. Four ill-structured problem-solving outcomes were measured: problem representation, developing solutions, making justifications, and monitoring and evaluation. Findings showed significant effects of the prompting treatment on all four ill-structured problem solving outcomes.
Modeling Mendel's Laws on Inheritance in Computational Biology and Medical Sciences
Authors: Singh Gurmukh , Siddiqui Khalid , Singh Mankiran , Singh Satpal
Published: October 2010

The current research article is based on a simple and practical way of employing the computational power of widely available, versatile software MS Excel 2007 to perform interactive computer simulations for undergraduate/graduate students in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, medicine in college and university classroom setting. To accomplish this important motive, we developed the necessary computer algorithm, which used a built-in pseudo-random number generating function in MS Excel 2007, to computer model two basic Mendel's Laws of heredity for plant and animal species. We performed more than 18,000 computer simulations to investigate the behavior of dominant and recessive genes to verify two basic Mendel's Laws of heredity. Our simulation work corroborates the experimental observations of Mendel's research on inheritance in Pisum hybrid species. When we compare our results of simulated data with that of experiments done on Drosophila melanogaster, fruit fly extensively being used as a model organism to study genetics and development, an exceedingly good agreement between the simulated and the experimental data has been observed for the F2 generation.
Teaching Math Online: Current Practices in Turkey
Authors: Akdemir Omur
Published: October 2010

Changing nature of student population, developments in technology, and insufficient number of traditional universities have made online courses popular around the globe. This study was designed to investigate the current practices of teaching mathematics online in Turkish Universities through a qualitative inquiry. The snowball sampling method was utilized to select course professors teaching math courses online in Turkish universities located in the central Anatolia. The descriptive qualitative analysis resulted in nine categories which were summarized in four themes. The main themes were online course design, online course teaching, student assessment, and effectiveness of online courses. The results showed that faculty members are able to teach math courses online despite the application-based nature of the math. Future investigation should study the experiences of students in online math courses to provide a deep understanding of online math courses from the student perspective.