bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of a Self-Efficacy Intervention on Short-Term Breast-Feeding Outcomes
Authors: Nichols Jeni , Schutte Nicola S. , Brown Rhonda F. , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Price Ian
Published: September 2007

Maternal self-efficacy for breast-feeding may contribute to success in breast-feeding. This study aimed to increase breast-feeding self-efficacy and actual breast-feeding through an intervention based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory. A total of 90 pregnant women participated in the study. The women who were assigned to a breast-feeding self-efficacy intervention showed significantly greater increases in breast-feeding self-efficacy than did the women in the control group. Furthermore, at 4 weeks postpartum, women in the intervention group showed a trend toward breast-feeding their infants longer and more exclusively than did those in the control group. Greater increases in breast-feeding self-efficacy were associated with a significantly higher level of breast-feeding. Replicating previous research, breast-feeding self-efficacy was significantly related to concurrent breast-feeding behavior, and high antenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy predicted a higher level of later breast-feeding in control-group women. These findings have implications for breast-feeding support programs and for the potential general utility of self-efficacy-based interventions in health education.
Reconstituting Relevance
Authors: Bridgman Todd
Published: September 2007

This article considers the possibilities of, and threats to, the performance of a critical public role by business school faculty, based on an empirical study of UK research-led business schools. Its reference point is a recent debate about the `relevance' of management education to management practice—a debate which has become polarized around nodal points of `critical' and `engaged' with the implication that engagement with external constituencies requires the suspension of critique and conversely, that critique of received wisdom is of little relevance to stakeholders. The notion of a critical engagement with the public asserts that business schools can serve a valuable democratic function as scrutinizers of organizational activity. This role is largely marginalized in prevailing conceptions of an increasingly commercialized business school, but the empirical study suggests there is some cause for optimism. The demonstration of `relevance' does not have to involve the pursuit of a narrow commercialization agenda where the business school propagates a strictly managerialist view of the world.
Management Learning and the Corporate MBA: Situated or Individual?
Authors: Legge Karen , Sullivan-Taylor Bridgette , Wilson David
Published: September 2007

The perceived failure of full-time MBAs to foster `situated learning' has given rise to a new form of MBA programme, the Corporate MBA, which in theory, aims to correct this deficiency. The very rationale of CMBAs and their differentiating feature from open programme MBAs, is the development of situated learning. This article is based on an in-depth study of four CMBA programmes in three different types of business school: the university based, non-university based and the hybrid. Using qualitative data derived from 40 in-depth interviews and from open ended survey questions, we examine how the outcomes sought by individual participants, business schools and sponsoring organizations and the relationships that developed between these stakeholders either facilitate or hinder situated learning. The data indicate a lack of situated learning in two of the three cases studied. Explanations for the lack of learning focus primarily around the incompatible interests of participants, business schools and sponsoring organizations. Suggestions for future research are presented.
Validity of a French version of the fatigue impact scale in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Debouverie M. , Pittion-Vouyovitch S. , Louis S. , Guillemin F.
Published: September 2007

Purpose Fatigue is a frequent and common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can interfere with patients' everyday activities. There is no objective scale for assessing fatigue in French MS patients. The objective of this study was to adapt an English language scale for use with French patients.

Methods The Fatigue Impact Scale was translated and culturally adapted into French by a committee of medical and linguistic specialists. The psychometric properties of this new instrument, called EMIF-SEP were assessed.

Results EMIF-SEP is composed of 40 items. Four dimensions of this scale (cognitive, physical, social role and psychological) were identified by factor analysis. Each dimension had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.80). The test-retest reproducibility was very satisfactory; intra-class correlation coefficients were all above 0.70.

Conclusion EMIF-SEP is the first scale for assessing MS-related fatigue which has been adapted to French-speaking patients. It is useful for clinical practice and MS-related research. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1026—1032. http://msj.sagepub.com
Deterioration in the health-related quality of life of persons with multiple sclerosis: the possible warning signs
Authors: Turpin K.V.L. , Carroll L.J. , Cassidy J.D. , Hader W.J.
Published: September 2007

Baseline data from a population-based study examining the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of MS patients about to begin disease modifying therapy was used to determine the factors associated with the HRQL of Saskatchewan adults with relapsing-remitting MS. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire regarding demographic and socioeconomic status, fatigue, comorbid medical conditions, disability level (EDSS), number of attacks in past 6 months, illness intrusiveness (Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and HRQL (SF-36 Health Status Survey). Multiple linear regression models were used to identify the factors associated with the physical and mental health summary scores of the SF-36. We found poorer physical HRQL in those who are female; older; not working; have musculoskeletal or respiratory problems; greater fatigue, higher disability scores, and more MS attacks. High illness intrusiveness; digestive system problems; genitourinary problems; and headaches were associated with poorer mental HRQL. Interestingly, we found an interaction between sex and age in mental HRQL, with worse mental health in older men but better mental health in older women. These findings may assist health care providers in identifying patients who may be at risk for decline in their HRQL, permitting appropriate and timely interventions. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1038—1045. http://msj.sagepub.com
Sexual habits before multiple sclerosis: a National case—control study
Authors: Lidegaard Øjvind , Svendsen Anne Louise
Published: September 2007

The trigging off agent for multiple sclerosis (MS) is despite intensive epidemiological and biomedical research still unknown. The disease is typically diagnosed in reproductive age and recent findings have suggested that MS could be a sexually transmitted disease.

Aim To assess the influence of different sexual practices in young age on the risk of developing MS, and specifically to explore the possible impact of oral sex and oral sperm exposure on this risk. Design National case—control study.

Methods Inclusion: Danish women with a first time MS discharge diagnosis from a neurological department at most 40 years old during the period 1998—2005, and an age and geographically matched control group. The response rate to our postal questionnaires was 75% for cases and 61% for controls. A total of 604/619 completed case/control questionnaires were included in the analysis. Data underwent logistic regression analysis.

Results We found no difference between women with and without MS for years of schooling, oral herpes infections, genital herpes, blood transfusions, age at sexual debut, age at coital debut, number of sexual partners before and after age 20 years, anal sex, condyloma attack or chlamydia infections. Family disposition with an affected father, mother or sibling, increased the risk of MS 9.1, 6.9 and 4.1 times, respectively. A total of 68% of cases and of 72% of controls had oral sex sometimes or often before their 20th year. Among women entertaining oral sex, 53%, respectively, 54% had experienced oral sperm exposure. Also oral sex after 20 years was similar in women with and without MS. Conclusion Neither oral sex in early reproductive age, oral sperm exposure, oral sex after 20 years, sexual debut, nor number of sexual partners had any association to the risk of later developing MS. This study does not support the hypothesis that MS is a sexually transmitted or acquired disease. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 67—72. http://msj.sagepub.com
No Money Shot? Commerce, Pornography and New Sex Taste Cultures
Authors: Attwood Feona
Published: September 2007

This article examines two internet websites — Nerve, a magazine devoted to `smart smut', and SuicideGirls, an `altporn' site where softcore sexual display is a major component of a participatory taste culture. Through a consideration of the ways such sites present their commercial and community elements as part of a shared taste and aesthetic, the article investigates how some new forms of pornography are developing to construct sexual display as a form of recreation, self-presentation and community building.
Sex Work for the Middle Classes
Authors: Bernstein Elizabeth
Published: September 2007

Drawing from fieldwork and interviews with middle-class sex workers, this essay considers the relationship between the class-privileged women and men who are increasingly finding their way into sex work and more generalized patterns of economic restructuring. How has the emergence of new communications technologies transformed the meaning and experience of sexual commerce for sex workers and their customers? What is the connection between the new `respectability' of sexual commerce and the new classes of individuals who now participate in commercial sexual transactions? This essay concludes by exploring some of the key transformations that are occurring within middle-class commercial sexual encounters, including the emergence of `bounded authenticity' (an authentic, yet bounded, interpersonal connection) as a particularly desirable and sought-after sexual commodity.
Shifting Boundaries: Sex and Money in the North-East of Brazil
Authors: Piscitelli Adriana
Published: September 2007

In this article I examine how discursive divisions between commercial and non-commercial sex are produced in a context of heterosexual sex tourism in Fortaleza, in north-east Brazil. Here, notions of sexuality, `race', class and gender create a complex discursive framework for sexual encounters crucial to understanding the participation of local women from different social strata. These categories also have effects on the organization of the sex industry directed at tourism.
Metaphor in the marketplace
Authors: Hirschman Elizabeth C.
Published: September 2007

This inquiry uses an anthropological construal of metaphor to argue for the multi-vocal presence of symbolic meanings in the marketplace. Metaphoric imagery is described as it emanates from marketers, popular culture media and consumers with respect to the product area of hair care. We identify two primary deep metaphors for hair: (1) a living organism requiring nourishment and hydration; and (2) a malleable structure that may be subjected to design and utilized as apparel, accessory, or protection. This theoretical approach is compared to two others currently `in play' in marketing: the Brands-as-Icons model of Holt (2004) and the Meaning Management Model of McCracken (2005).
Producing marketing: towards a social-phenomenology of marketing work
Authors: Svensson Peter
Published: September 2007

This article seeks to problematize and de-reify the phenomenon of marketing work by means of subjecting it to a social-phenomenological gaze. Drawing upon a discourse-analytical understanding of the productive nature of language, the interaction at a meeting between an advertising agency and a client is interpreted and discussed. This micro-event is moreover interpreted in relation to the particular socio-cultural milieu, here referred to as `the narrative archipelago', wherein marketing practitioners have to navigate. It is argued that a social conception of the phenomenon of `marketing work' is not only a prerequisite for carrying out marketing tasks; it is also one of the outcomes of marketing practice. In other words, marketing work is contingent upon as well as generative of the social and discursive accomplishment of a notion of `marketing work'.
Phase 2 study of lenalidomide in transfusion-dependent, low-risk, and intermediate-1–risk myelodysplastic syndromes with karyotypes other than deletion 5q
Authors: Raza Azra , Reeves James A. , Feldman Eric J. , Dewald Gordon W. , Bennett John M. , Deeg H. Joachim , Dreisbach Luke , Schiffer Charles A. , Stone Richard M. , Greenberg Peter L. , Curtin Peter T. , Klimek Virginia M. , Shammo Jamile M. , Thomas Deborah , Knight Robert D. , Schmidt Michele , Wride Kenton , Zeldis Jerome B. , List Alan F.
Published: September 2007

Lenalidomide is approved for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent anemia due to low or intermediate-1 (int-1) risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) associated with a chromosome 5q deletion with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities. We report results of a multicenter, phase 2 trial evaluating lenalidomide therapy for transfusion-dependent patients with low- or int-1–risk MDS without deletion 5q. Eligible patients had 50 000/mm3 or more platelets and required 2 U or more RBCs within the previous 8 weeks; 214 patients received 10 mg oral lenalidomide daily or 10 mg on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (30%) and thrombocytopenia (25%). Using an intention-to-treat analysis, 56 (26%) patients achieved transfusion independence (TI) after a median of 4.8 weeks of treatment with a median duration of TI of 41.0 weeks. In patients who achieved TI, the median rise in hemoglobin was 32 g/L (3.2 g/dL; range, 10-98 g/L [1.0-9.8 g/dL]) from baseline. A 50% or greater reduction in transfusion requirement occurred in 37 additional patients, yielding a 43% overall rate of hematologic improvement (TI response +‖≥ 50% reduction in transfusion requirement). Lenalidomide has clinically meaningful activity in transfusion-dependent patients with low- or int-1–risk MDS who lack the deletion 5q karyotypic abnormality. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00064974.
Superficial and deep sternal wound infection after more than 9000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): incidence, risk factors and mortality
Authors: Salehi Omran Abbas , Karimi Abbasali , Ahmadi S Hossein , Davoodi Setareh , Marzban Mehrab , Movahedi Namvar , Abbasi Kyomars , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Davoodi Saeed , Moshtaghi Naghmeh
Published: September 2007

Background

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of cardiac surgery. Predisposing factors for SWI are multiple with varied frequencies in different studies. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of SWI after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at Tehran Heart Center.

Methods

This study prospectively evaluated multiple risk factors for SWI in 9201 patients who underwent CABG at Tehran Heart Center between January 2002 and February 2006. Cases of SWI were confirmed based on the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deep SWI (bone and mediastinitis) was categorized according to the Oakley classification.

Results

In the study period, 9201 CABGs were performed with a total SWI rate of 0.47 percent (44 cases) and deep SWI of 0.22 percent (21 cases). Perioperative (in-hospital) mortality was 9.1% for total SWI and about 14% for deep SWI versus 1.1% for non-SWI CABG patients. Female gender, preoperative hypertension, high functional class, diabetes mellitus, obesity, prolonged intubation time (more than 48 h), and re-exploration for bleeding were significant risk factors for developing SWI (p = 0.05) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, hypertension (OR = 10.7), re-exploration (OR = 13.4), and female gender (OR = 2.7) were identified as significant predictors of SWI (p < 0.05 for all). The rate of SWI was relatively similar in 3 groups of prophylactic antibiotic regimen (Cefazolin, Cefazolin + Gentamycin and Cefazolin + Amikacin: 0.5%, 0.5%, and 0.34% respectively).

Conclusion

Rarely reported previously, the two risk factors of hypertension and the female gender were significant risk factors in our study. Conversely, some other risk factors such as cigarette smoking and age mentioned as significant in other reports were not significant in our study. Further studies are needed for better documentation.
Crystal structure of Leishmania tarentolae hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase
Authors: Monzani Paulo S , Trapani Stefano , Thiemann Otavio H , Oliva Glaucius
Published: September 2007

Background

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) (EC 2.4.2.8) is a central enzyme in the purine recycling pathway. Parasitic protozoa of the order Kinetoplastida cannot synthesize purines de novo and use the salvage pathway to synthesize purine bases, making this an attractive target for antiparasitic drug design.

Results

The glycosomal HGPRT from Leishmania tarentolae in a catalytically active form purified and co-crystallized with a guanosine monophosphate (GMP) in the active site. The dimeric structure of HGPRT has been solved by molecular replacement and refined against data extending to 2.1 Å resolution. The structure reveals the contacts of the active site residues with GMP.

Conclusion

Comparative analysis of the active sites of Leishmania and human HGPRT revealed subtle differences in the position of the ligand and its interaction with the active site residues, which could be responsible for the different reactivities of the enzymes to allopurinol reported in the literature. The solution and analysis of the structure of Leishmania HGPRT may contribute to further investigations leading to a full understanding of this important enzyme family in protozoan parasites.
An experimental evaluation of the antidiabetic and antilipidemic properties of a standardized Momordica charantia fruit extract
Authors: Fernandes Nafisa PC , Lagishetty Chakradhar V , Panda Vandana S , Naik Suresh R
Published: September 2007

Background

The MCE, Momordica charantia fruit extract Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) have been documented to elicit hypoglycemic activity on various occasions. However, due to lack of standardization of these extracts, their efficacy remains questionable. The present study was undertaken by selecting a well standardised MCE. This study reports hypoglycemic and antilipidemic activities of MCE employing relevant animal models and in vitro methods.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by a s.c., subcutaneous injection of alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg) in acetate buffer (pH 4.5). MCE and glibenclamide were administered orally to alloxan diabetic rats at doses of 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg & 600 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg respectively for 30 days, blood was withdrawn for glucose determination on 0, 7, 14, 21 and 30th days. On the 31st day, overnight fasted rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for various biochemical estimations including glycosylated haemoglobin, mean blood glucose, serum insulin, cholesterol, triglcerides, protein and glycogen content of liver. The hemidiaphragms and livers were also isolated, carefully excised and placed immediately in ice cooled perfusion solution and processed to study the glucose uptake/transfer processes. Hypolipidemic activity in old obese rats was evaluated by treating two groups with MCE (150 mg/kg & 300 mg/kg) orally for 30 days and determining total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-CH, LDL-CH and VLDL-CH levels from serum samples.

Results

Subchronic study of MCE in alloxan induced diabetic rats showed significant antihyperglycemic activity by lowering blood glucose and GHb%, percent glycosylated haemoglobin. Pattern of glucose tolerance curve was also altered significantly. MCE treatment enhanced uptake of glucose by hemidiaphragm and inhibited glycogenolysis in liver slices in vitro. A significant reduction in the serum cholesterol and glyceride levels of obese rats following MCE treatment was also observed.

Conclusion

Our experimental findings with respect to the mechanism of action of MCE in alloxan diabetic rats suggest that it enhances insulin secretion by the islets of Langerhans, reduces glycogenesis in liver tissue, enhances peripheral glucose utilisation and increases serum protein levels. Furthermore, MCE treatment restores the altered histological architecture of the islets of Langerhans. Hence, the biochemical, pharmacological and histopathological profiles of MCE clearly indicate its potential antidiabetic activity and other beneficial effects in amelioration of diabetes associated complications. Further, an evaluation of its antilipidemic activity in old obese rats demonstrated significant lowering of cholesterol and triglyceride levels while elevating HDL-cholesterol levels. Also, the extract lowered serum lipids in alloxan diabetic rats, suggesting its usefulness in controlling metabolic alterations associated with diabetes.
Combining evidence and values in priority setting: testing the balance sheet method in a low-income country
Authors: Makundi Emmanuel , Kapiriri Lydia , Norheim Ole Frithjof
Published: September 2007

Background

Procedures for priority setting need to incorporate both scientific evidence and public values. The aim of this study was to test out a model for priority setting which incorporates both scientific evidence and public values, and to explore use of evidence by a selection of stakeholders and to study reasons for the relative ranking of health care interventions in a setting of extreme resource scarcity.

Methods

Systematic search for and assessment of relevant evidence for priority setting in a low-income country. Development of a balance sheet according to Eddy's explicit method. Eight group interviews (n-85), using a modified nominal group technique for eliciting individual and group rankings of a given set of health interventions.

Results

The study procedure made it possible to compare the groups' ranking before and after all the evidence was provided to participants. A rank deviation is significant if the rank order of the same intervention differed by two or more points on the ordinal scale. A comparison between the initial rank and the final rank (before deliberation) showed a rank deviation of 67%. The difference between the initial rank and the final rank after discussion and voting gave a rank deviation of 78%.

Conclusion

Evidence-based and deliberative decision-making does change priorities significantly in an experimental setting. Our use of the balance sheet method was meant as a demonstration project, but could if properly developed be feasible for health planners, experts and health workers, although more work is needed before it can be used for laypersons.
Red wine consumption increases antioxidant status and decreases oxidative stress in the circulation of both young and old humans
Authors: Micallef Michelle , Lexis Louise , Lewandowski Paul
Published: September 2007

Background

Red wine contains a naturally rich source of antioxidants, which may protect the body from oxidative stress, a determinant of age-related disease. The current study set out to determine the in vivo effects of moderate red wine consumption on antioxidant status and oxidative stress in the circulation.

Methods

20 young (18–30 yrs) and 20 older (≥ 50 yrs) volunteers were recruited. Each age group was randomly divided into treatment subjects who consumed 400 mL/day of red wine for two weeks, or control subjects who abstained from alcohol for two weeks, after which they crossed over into the other group. Blood samples were collected before and after red wine consumption and were used for analysis of whole blood glutathione (GSH), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum total antioxidant status.

Results

Results from this study show consumption of red wine induced significant increases in plasma total antioxidant status (P < 0.03), and significant decreases in plasma MDA (P < 0.001) and GSH (P < 0.004) in young and old subjects. The results show that the consumption of 400 mL/day of red wine for two weeks, significantly increases antioxidant status and decreases oxidative stress in the circulation

Conclusion

It may be implied from this data that red wine provides general oxidative protection and to lipid systems in circulation via the increase in antioxidant status.
Comparative proteome analysis of human epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Gagné Jean-Philippe , Éthier Chantal , Gagné Pierre , Mercier Geneviève , Bonicalzi Marie-Ève , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Droit Arnaud , Winstall Eric , Isabelle Maxim , Poirier Guy G
Published: September 2007

Background

Epithelial ovarian cancer is a devastating disease associated with low survival prognosis mainly because of the lack of early detection markers and the asymptomatic nature of the cancer until late stage. Using two complementary proteomics approaches, a differential protein expression profile was carried out between low and highly transformed epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines which realistically mimic the phenotypic changes observed during evolution of a tumour metastasis. This investigation was aimed at a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation, proliferation and neoplastic progression of ovarian cancer.

Results

The quantitative profiling of epithelial ovarian cancer model cell lines TOV-81D and TOV-112D generated using iTRAQ analysis and two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed some proteins with altered expression levels. Several of these proteins have been the object of interest in cancer research but others were unrecognized as differentially expressed in a context of ovarian cancer. Among these, series of proteins involved in transcriptional activity, cellular metabolism, cell adhesion or motility and cytoskeleton organization were identified, suggesting their possible role in the emergence of oncogenic pathways leading to aggressive cellular behavior.

Conclusion

The differential protein expression profile generated by the two proteomics approaches combined to complementary characterizations studies will open the way to more exhaustive and systematic representation of the disease and will provide valuable information that may be helpful to uncover the molecular mechanisms related to epithelial ovarian cancer.
HDAC inhibitor valproic acid upregulates CAR in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Segura-Pacheco Blanca , Avalos Berenice , Rangel Edgar , Velazquez Dora , Cabrera Gustavo
Published: September 2007

Background

The presence of CAR in diverse tumor types is heterogeneous with implications in tumor transduction efficiency in the context of adenoviral mediated cancer gene therapy. Preliminary studies suggest that CAR transcriptional regulation is modulated through histone acetylation and not through promoter methylation. Furthermore, it has been documented that the pharmacological induction of CAR using histone deacetylase inhibitor (iHDAC) compounds is a viable strategy to enhance adenoviral mediated gene delivery to cancer cells in vitro. The incorporation of HDAC drugs into the overall scheme in adenoviral based cancer gene therapy clinical trials seems rational. However, reports using compounds with iHDAC properties utilized routinely in the clinic are pending. Valproic acid, a short chained fatty acid extensively used in the clinic for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder has been recently described as an effective HDAC inhibitor at therapeutic concentrations.

Methods

We studied the effect of valproic acid on histone H3 and H4 acetylation, CAR mRNA upregulation was studied using semiquantitative PCR and adenoviral transduction on HeLa cervical cancer cells, on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, on T24 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder cells. CAR mRNA was studied using semiquantitative PCR on tumor tissue extracted from patients diagnosed with cervical cancer treated with valproic acid.

Results

CAR upregulation through HDAC inhibition was observed in the three cancer cell lines with enhancement of adenoviral transduction. CAR upregulation was also observed in tumor samples obtained from patients with cervical cancer treated with therapeutic doses of valproic acid. These results support the addition of the HDAC inhibitor valproic acid to adenoviral mediated cancer gene therapy clinical trials to enhance adenoviral mediated gene delivery to the tumor cells.
Failure to confirm allelic and haplotypic association between markers at the chromosome 6p22.3 dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) locus and schizophrenia
Authors: Datta Susmita R , McQuillin Andrew , Puri Vinay , Choudhury Khalid , Thirumalai Srinivasa , Lawrence Jacob , Pimm Jonathan , Bass Nicholas , Lamb Graham , Moorey Helen , Morgan Jenny , Punukollu Bhaskar , Kandasami Gomathinayagam , Kirwin Simon , Sule Akeem , Quested Digby , Curtis David , Gurling Hugh MD
Published: September 2007

Background

Previous linkage and association studies may have implicated the Dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) gene locus or a gene in linkage disequilibrium with DTNBP1 on chromosome 6p22.3 in genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia.

Methods

We used the case control design to test for of allelic and haplotypic association with schizophrenia in a sample of four hundred and fifty research subjects with schizophrenia and four hundred and fifty ancestrally matched supernormal controls. We genotyped the SNP markers previously found to be significantly associated with schizophrenia in the original study and also other markers found to be positive in subsequent studies.

Results

We could find no evidence of allelic, genotypic or haplotypic association with schizophrenia in our UK sample.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the DTNBP1 gene contribution to schizophrenia must be rare or absent in our sample. The discrepant allelic association results in previous studies of association between DTNBP1 and schizophrenia could be due population admixture. However, even positive studies of European populations do not show any consistent DTNBP1 alleles or haplotypes associated with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to resolve these issues. The possible confounding of linkage with association in family samples already showing linkage at 6p22.3 might be revealed by testing genes closely linked to DTNBP1 for allelic association and by restricting family based tests of association to only one case per family.
Gene-interleaving patterns of synteny in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome: are they proof of an ancient genome duplication event?
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Ruedi Elizabeth A , LeDuc Richard , Sun Feng-Jie , Caetano-Anollés Gustavo
Published: September 2007

Background

Recent comparative genomic studies claim local syntenic gene-interleaving relationships in Ashbya gossypii and Kluyveromyces waltii are compelling evidence for an ancient whole-genome duplication event in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We here test, using Hannenhalli-Pevzner rearrangement algorithms that address the multiple genome rearrangement problem, whether syntenic patterns are proof of paleopolyploidization.

Results

We focus on (1) pairwise comparison of gene arrangement sequences in A. gossypii and S. cerevisiae, (2) reconstruction of gene arrangements ancestral to A. gossypii, S. cerevisiae, and K. waltii, (3) synteny patterns arising within and between lineages, and (4) expected gene orientation of duplicate gene sets. The existence of syntenic patterns between ancestral gene sets and A. gossypii, S. cerevisiae, and K. waltii, and other evidence, suggests that gene-interleaving relationships are the natural consequence of topological rearrangements in chromosomes and that a more gradual scenario of genome evolution involving segmental duplication and recombination constitutes a more parsimonious explanation. Furthermore, phylogenetic trees reconstructed under alternative hypotheses placed the putative whole-genome duplication event after the divergence of the S. cerevisiae and K. waltii lineages, but in the lineage leading to K. waltii. This is clearly incompatible with an ancient genome duplication event in S. cerevisiae.

Conclusion

Because the presence of syntenic patterns appears to be a condition that is necessary, but not sufficient, to support the existence of the whole-genome duplication event, our results prompt careful re-evaluation of paleopolyploidization in the yeast lineage and the evolutionary meaning of syntenic patterns.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Kenneth H. Wolfe (nominated by Nicolas Galtier), Austin L. Hughes (nominated by Eugene Koonin), Mikhail S. Gelfand, and Mark Gerstein.
Immunohistochemical diagnosis of abdominal and lymph node tuberculosis by detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex specific antigen MPT64
Authors: Purohit Manju R , Mustafa Tehmina , Wiker Harald G , Mørkve Odd , Sviland Lisbet
Published: September 2007

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of immunohistochemistry using an antibody to the secreted mycobacterial antigen MPT64, in abdominal and lymph node tuberculosis.

Methods

We used formalin-fixed histologically diagnosed abdominal tuberculosis (n = 33) and cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (n = 120) biopsies. These were investigated using a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen method, culture, immunohistochemistry with an antibody to MPT64, a specific antigen for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms. Abdominal and cervical lymph node biopsies from non-mycobacterial diseases (n = 50) were similarly tested as negative controls. Immunohistochemistry with commercially available anti-BCG and nested PCR for IS6110 were done for comparison. Nested PCR was positive in 86.3% cases and the results of all the tests were compared using nested PCR as the gold standard.

Results

In lymph node biopsies, immunohistochemistry with anti-MPT64 was positive in 96 (80%) cases and 4 (12.5%) controls and with anti-BCG 92 (76.6%), and 9 (28%) respectively. The results for cases and controls in abdominal biopsies were 25 (75.7%) and 2 (11.1%) for anti-MPT64 and 25 (75.7%) and 4 (22%) for anti-BCG. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of immunohistochemistry with anti-MPT64 was 92%, 97%, 98%, and 85%, respectively while the corresponding values for anti-BCG were 88%, 85%, 92%, and 78%.

Conclusion

Immunohistochemistry using anti-MPT64 is a simple and sensitive technique for establishing an early and specific diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection and one that can easily be incorporated into routine histopathology laboratories.
A pigmented calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor associated with compound odontoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Han Phuu P , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Siar Chong H , Tsujigiwa Hidetsugu , Gunduz Mehmet , Tamamura Ryo , Borkosky Silvia S , Katase Naoki , Nagai Noriyuki
Published: September 2007

Background

Pigmented intraosseous odontogenic lesions are rare with only 47 reported cases in the English literature. Among them, pigmented calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor, formerly known as calcifying odontogenic cyst, is the most common lesion with 20 reported cases.

Methods

A case of pigmented calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor associated with odontoma occurring at the mandibular canine-premolar region of a young Japanese boy is presented with radiographic, and histological findings. Special staining, electron microscopic study and immunohistochemical staining were also done to characterize the pigmentation.

Results

The pigments in the lesion were confirmed to be melanin by Masson-Fontana staining and by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of dendritic melanocytes within the lesion was also demonstrated by S-100 immunostaining.

Conclusion

The present case report of pigmented calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor associated with odontoma features a comprehensive study on melanin and melanocytes, including histochemical, immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopic findings.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation: optimization, quantitative analysis and data normalization
Authors: Haring Max , Offermann Sascha , Danker Tanja , Horst Ina , Peterhansel Christoph , Stam Maike
Published: September 2007

Background

Chromatin remodeling, histone modifications and other chromatin-related processes play a crucial role in gene regulation. A very useful technique to study these processes is chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). ChIP is widely used for a few model systems, including Arabidopsis, but establishment of the technique for other organisms is still remarkably challenging. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the precipitated material and normalization of the data is often underestimated, negatively affecting data quality.

Results

We developed a robust ChIP protocol, using maize (Zea mays) as a model system, and present a general strategy to systematically optimize this protocol for any type of tissue. We propose endogenous controls for active and for repressed chromatin, and discuss various other controls that are essential for successful ChIP experiments. We experienced that the use of quantitative PCR (QPCR) is crucial for obtaining high quality ChIP data and we explain why. The method of data normalization has a major impact on the quality of ChIP analyses. Therefore, we analyzed different normalization strategies, resulting in a thorough discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of the various approaches.

Conclusion

Here we provide a robust ChIP protocol and strategy to optimize the protocol for any type of tissue; we argue that quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) is the best method to analyze the precipitates, and present comprehensive insights into data normalization.
HSPC300 and its role in neuronal connectivity
Authors: Qurashi Abrar , Sahin H Bahar , Carrera Pilar , Gautreau Alexis , Schenck Annette , Giangrande Angela
Published: September 2007

Background

The WAVE/SCAR complex, consisting of CYFIP (PIR121 or Sra1), Kette (Nap1), Abi, SCAR (WAVE) and HSPC300, is known to regulate the actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex in a Rac1-dependent manner. While in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that CYFIP, Kette, Abi and SCAR work as subunits of the complex, the role of the small protein HSPC300 remains unclear.

Results

In the present study, we identify the HSPC300 gene and characterize its interaction with the WAVE/SCAR complex in the Drosophila animal model. On the basis of several lines of evidence, we demonstrate that HSPC300 is an indispensable component of the complex controlling axonal and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) growth. First, the Drosophila HSPC300 expression profile resembles that of other members of the WAVE/SCAR complex. Second, HSPC300 mutation, as well as mutations in the other complex subunits, results in identical axonal and NMJ growth defects. Third, like with other complex subunits, defects in NMJ architecture are rescued by presynaptic expression of the respective wild-type gene. Fourth, HSPC300 genetically interacts with another subunit of the WAVE/SCAR complex. Fifth, HSPC300 physically associates with CYFIP and SCAR.

Conclusion

Present data provide the first evidence for HSPC300 playing a role in nervous system development and demonstrate in vivo that this small protein works in the context of the WAVE/SCAR complex.
Paradoxical embolism, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism in a patient with patent foramen ovale: a case report
Authors: Guo Shan , Roberts Ingram , Missri Jose
Published: September 2007

Introduction

Coexistence of pulmonary embolism and systemic arterial embolism suggest the diagnosis of paradoxical embolism which suggests the presence of intracardiac defects such as patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Case presentation

A 42 year old man was found to have a paradoxical embolism in the systemic arterial circulation, in the setting of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities.

Conclusion

Paradoxical embolism and intracardiac shunt should be immediately considered in a patient with pulmonary embolism and systemic arterial embolism. Diagnostic modalities included arteriogram and saline contrast echocardiography. Closure of intracardiac shunt is needed for patients who are at risk for recurrent embolic events.
NF-κB inhibitor dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin suppresses osteoclastogenesis and expression of NFATc1 in mouse arthritis without affecting expression of RANKL, osteoprotegerin or macrophage colony-stimulating factor
Authors: Kubota Tetsuo , Hoshino Machiko , Aoki Kazuhiro , Ohya Keiichi , Komano Yukiko , Nanki Toshihiro , Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Umezawa Kazuo
Published: September 2007

Inhibition of NF-κB is known to be effective in reducing both inflammation and bone destruction in animal models of arthritis. Our previous study demonstrated that a small cell-permeable NF-κB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), suppresses expression of proinflammatory cytokines and ameliorates mouse arthritis. It remained unclear, however, whether DHMEQ directly affects osteoclast precursor cells to suppress their differentiation to mature osteoclasts in vivo. The effect of DHMEQ on human osteoclastogenesis also remained elusive. In the present study, we therefore examined the effect of DHMEQ on osteoclastogenesis using a mouse collagen-induced arthritis model, and using culture systems of fibroblast-like synovial cells obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and of osteoclast precursor cells from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. DHMEQ significantly suppressed formation of osteoclasts in arthritic joints, and also suppressed expression of NFATc1 along the inner surfaces of bone lacunae and the eroded bone surface, while serum levels of soluble receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin and macrophage colony-stimulating factor were not affected by the treatment. DHMEQ also did not suppress spontaneous expression of RANKL nor of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in culture of fibroblast-like synovial cells obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that DHMEQ suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vivo, through downregulation of NFATc1 expression, without significantly affecting expression of upstream molecules of the RANKL/receptor activator of NF-κB/osteoprotegerin cascade, at least in our experimental condition. Furthermore, in the presence of RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor, differentiation and activation of human osteoclasts were also suppressed by DHMEQ, suggesting the possibility of future application of NF-κB inhibitors to rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
“Complete Liberty”? Gender, Sexuality, Race, and Social Change on the Lower Columbia River, 1805-1838
Authors: Whaley Gray
Published: September 2007

This article analyzes social change in the emerging colonial world of the lower Columbia River from 1805 to 1838, particularly regarding gender and sexuality. It teases out distinctions among formal marriages, informal “custom of the country” arrangements, the exercise of sexual “liberties” by young Chinookan women, and prostitution, revealing much of the complex sexual interactions between natives and newcomers. Such a focus illuminates critical, interpersonal aspects of fur trade society in this region as it developed into a complex colonial milieu, reflecting both indigenous and Western interests. Lower Chinookans adapted slavery and trade practices to accommodate the demands of their own social stratification and the challenges brought by newcomers. Colonial accommodations were first limited by Western racial and economic ideologies, and subsequently by the gross power inequity caused by the collapse of the native population in the early 1830s from malaria and other introduced diseases.
Fabrication of SmCox Nanoparticles as a Potential Candidate of Materials for Super-high-density Magnetic Memory: Use of Gold as the Third Element
Authors: Matsushita Toru , Masuda Junya , Iwamoto Takashi , Toshima Naoki
Published: September 2007

The SmCo5 magnetic nanoparticles were prepared via simultaneous reduction of Sm(acac)3·xH2O, Co(acac)3, and AuCl in tetraethylene glycol (TEG) in the presence of stabilizing agents. The presence of Au is considered to promote the formation of SmCox (x=5–8.5) nanoparticles. As-prepared SmCox nanoparticles had an average diameter of 6.9 nm and a structure similar to CaCu5 crystal. Magnetic measurements of these particles exhibited a coercivity (Hc) of 1500 Oe at 300 K.
The Choice of Sourcing Mechanisms for Business Processes
Authors: Tanriverdi Hüseyin , Konana Prabhudev , Ge Ling
Published: September 2007

There is unprecedented interest in digitally enabled extended enterprises that enable firms to gain access to specialized skills and capabilities globally. Given this motivation, firms are unbundling their value chain processes and exploring new sourcing mechanisms. With the emergence of world-class skills and capabilities in offshore locations, new sourcing mechanisms have become available beyond traditional domestic insourcing and outsourcing. However, there is little systematic research examining how firms choose sourcing mechanisms for their business processes. This study views the digitally enabled extended enterprise as a complex system of business processes and examines how sourcing choices are made in such enterprises. It builds on the modular systems theory to posit that modularization of business processes and their underlying information technology (IT) support infrastructures are associated with the choice of sourcing mechanisms for the processes. The study tests this proposition in a sample of business process sourcing choices made by 93 medium and large U.S. firms. The results show that firms tend to choose domestic outsourcing for processes that are high in modularity and offshore outsourcing for processes that are low in modularity. Further, when processes can be detached from a firm's IT infrastructure, firms tend to use offshore outsourcing. However, when processes are tightly coupled with underlying IT infrastructure, it may be infeasible to detach processes and execute them in remote locations. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.