bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustained Spatial Attention in Touch: Modality-Specific and Multimodal Mechanisms
Authors: Sambo Chiara F. , Forster Bettina
Published: August 2011

Sustained attention to a body location results in enhanced processing of tactile stimuli presented at that location compared to another unattended location. In this paper, we review studies investigating the neural correlates of sustained spatial attention in touch. These studies consistently show that activity within modality-specific somatosensory areas (SI and SII) is modulated by sustained tactile-spatial attention. Recent evidence suggests that these somatosensory areas may be recruited as part of a larger cortical network,also including higher-level multimodal regions involved in spatial selection across modalities. We discuss, in turn, the following multimodal effects in sustained tactile-spatial attention tasks. First, cross-modal attentional links between touch and vision, reflected in enhanced processing of task-irrelevant visual stimuli at tactuallyattended locations, are mediated by common (multimodal) representations of external space. Second, vision of the body modulates activity underlying sustained tactile-spatial attention, facilitating attentional modulation of tactile processing in between-hand (when hands are sufficiently far apart) and impairing attentional modulation in within-hand selection tasks. Finally, body posture influences mechanisms of sustained tactile-spatial attention, relying, at least partly, on remapping of tactile stimuli in external, visuallydefined, spatial coordinates. Taken together, the findings reviewed in this paper indicate that sustained spatial attention in touch is subserved by both modality-specific and multimodal mechanisms. The interplay between these mechanisms allows flexible and efficient spatial selection within and across sensory modalities.
The Transcribed-Ultraconserved Regions: A Novel Class of Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Scaruffi Paola
Published: August 2011

During recent years, novel approaches and new technologies have revealed a startling level of complexity of higher eukaryotes' transcriptome. A large proportion of the transcriptional output is represented by protein noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that arise from the “dark matter” of the genome. Focus on such sequences has revealed numerous RNA subtypes with several functions in RNA processing and gene expression regulation, and deep sequencing studies imply that many remain to be discovered. This review gives a picture of the state of the art of a novel class of long ncRNA known as transcribed-ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs). Most recent studies show that they are significantly altered in adult chronic lymphocytic leukemias, carcinomas, and pediatric neuroblastomas, leading to the hypothesis that UCRs may play a role in tumorigenesis and promising innovative future T-UCR—based therapeutic approaches.
Toll-Like Receptors, Their Ligands, and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hodgkinson Conrad P. , Ye Shu
Published: August 2011

Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by inflammation in the arterial wall. Atherogenesis is dependent on the innate immune response involving activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the expression of inflammatory proteins. TLRs, which recognize various pathogen-associated molecular patterns, are expressed in various cell types within the atherosclerotic plaque. Microbial agents are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and this is, in part, due to activation of TLRs. Recently considerable evidence has been provided suggesting that endogenous proteins promote atherosclerosis by binding to TLRs. In this review, we describe the role of TLRs in atherosclerosis with particular emphasis on those atherogenic endogenous proteins that have been implicated as TLR ligands.
Penile Anomalies in Adolescence
Authors: Wood Dan , Woodhouse Christopher
Published: August 2011

This article considers the impact and outcomes of both treatment and underlying condition of penile anomalies in adolescent males. Major congenital anomalies (such as exstrophy/epispadias) are discussed, including the psychological outcomes, common problems (such as corporal asymmetry, chordee, and scarring) in this group, and surgical assessment for potential surgical candidates. The emergence of new surgical techniques continues to improve outcomes and potentially raises patient expectations. The importance of balanced discussion in conditions such as micropenis, including multidisciplinary support for patients, is important in order to achieve appropriate treatment decisions. Topical treatments may be of value, but in extreme cases, phalloplasty is a valuable option for patients to consider. In buried penis, the importance of careful assessment and, for the majority, a delay in surgery until puberty has completed is emphasised. In hypospadias patients, the variety of surgical procedures has complicated assessment of outcomes. It appears that true surgical success may be difficult to measure as many men who have had earlier operations are not reassessed in either puberty or adult life. There is also a brief discussion of acquired penile anomalies, including causation and treatment of lymphoedema, penile fracture/trauma, and priapism.
Evaluation of Ternary Mobile Phases for the Analysis of Carbonyl Compound Derivatives Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Ho Duy Xuan , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: August 2011

In this study, the feasibility of ternary mobile phases was examined in a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based analysis of carbonyl compounds (CCs). To test the performance of different ternary phases, the liquid phase standards containing a 15 aldehyde/ketone-DNPH(o) mix were analyzed through a series of five-point calibration experiments. For this comparison, three types of ternary mobile phases were prepared initially by mixing water (W) with two of the following three organic solvents: isopropanol (I), methanol (M), and tetrahydrofuran (T). The resulting three types of ternary phases (named as WIM, WTM, and WIT) were tested and evaluated in relation to the water content or in terms of methanol-to-water ratio (M/W). The results derived by the three ternary phases revealed that the optimal resolution was attained near maximum water content, while those of WIT consistently suffered from poor resolution problems. The relative performances of WIM and WTM phases, if assessed by three key operating parameters (sensitivity, retention time, and resolution), were found to be reliable for most selected CCs with the decreasing M/W ratio.
Aggravating Impact of Nanoparticles on Immune-Mediated Pulmonary Inflammation
Authors: Inoue Ken-Ichiro , Takano Hirohisa
Published: August 2011

Although the adverse health effects of nanoparticles have been proposed and are being clarified, their aggravating effects on pre-existing pathological conditions have not been fully investigated. In this review, we provide insights into the immunotoxicity of both airborne and engineered nanoparticles as an exacerbating factor on hypersusceptible subjects, especially those with immune-mediated pulmonary inflammation, using ourin vivoexperimental model. First, we exhibit the effects of nanoparticles on pulmonary inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide: LPS) as a disease model in innate immunity, and demonstrate that nanoparticles instilled through both an intratracheal tube and an inhalation system can exacerbate the lung inflammation. Second, we introduce the effects of nanoparticles on allergic pulmonary inflammation as a disease model in adaptive immunity, and show that repetitive pulmonary exposure to nanoparticles has aggravating effects on allergic inflammation, including adjuvant effects on Th2-milieu. Third, we show that very small nanoparticle exposure exacerbates emphysematous pulmonary inflammation, which is concomitant with enhanced lung expression of proinflammatory molecules (including those that are innate immunity related). Taken together, nanoparticle exposure may synergistically facilitate pathological pulmonary inflammation via both innate and adaptive immunological impairment.
Mobility Should Be Fun. A Consumer (Law) Perspective on Border Check Technology
Authors: De Hert Paul , Bellanova Rocco
Published: August 2011

After 9/11, states looked at transportation as if it was a matter of paying taxes: “We cannot make it fun, but we can make it efficient.” When traveling, we are asked to pass on data, give body samples, and pass through body scanners in the name of the general interest and in the name of our safety. Technology complements existing human checks and controls. Here we take a fresh look at the new security apparatuses and make transportation of humans more passenger-centered. Consumer protection law might help to complement the existing use of data protection law principles by citizen organizations. It should be possible to satisfy consumer needs, without forgetting the perspective of the citizen.
Impact of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the Junior Secondary School Years: Individual Growth Curve Analyses
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Ma Cecilia M. S.
Published: August 2011

The Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs) is a positive youth development program implemented in school settings utilizing a curricular-based approach. In the third year of the Full Implementation Phase, 19 experimental schools (n = 3,006 students) and 24 control schools (n = 3,727 students) participated in a randomized group trial. Analyses based on linear mixed models via SPSS showed that participants in the experimental schools displayed better positive youth development than did participants in the control schools based on different indicators derived from the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale, including positive self-identity, prosocial behavior, and general positive youth development attributes. Differences between experimental and control participants were also found when students who joined the Tier 1 Program and perceived the program to be beneficial were employed as participants of the experimental schools. The present findings strongly suggest that the Project P.A.T.H.S. is making an important positive impact for junior secondary school students in Hong Kong.
Risk-Reduction Strategies for Platelet Transfusion in the United States
Authors: Vamvakas Eleftherios C.
Published: August 2011

Despite bacterial culture of platelets, transfusion-associated bacteremia/sepsis (TABS) may occur with a frequency of approximately 1/60,000 platelet transfusions, while an emerging transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) could reproduce the epidemic of transfusion-transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the future. As platelet pathogen-reduction (PR) systems licensed in Europe may eventually become licensed in the U.S., three alternative strategies for reducing the residual risks of TTIs and TABS may become available in the U.S. in the future: (1) transfusion of (already-available) non–pathogen-reduced single-donor (as opposed to pooled whole-blood-derived [PWBD]) platelets, (2) transfusion of pathogen-reduced single-donor platelets, or (3) transfusion of pathogen-reduced PWBD platelets (if trials of this component are conducted in the U.S. in the future). PR of platelets will increase the risk of mild and moderate (albeit perhaps not severe) bleeding complications and it cannot protect from all pathogens. Compared to PWBD platelets, single-donor platelets can reduce, by at least twofold, the risk of all known and emerging TTIs, as well as the risk of TABS, without incurring any risk. The fewer donor exposures secured by the use of single-donor platelets – especially if combined with collection of red blood cells and/or plasma from the same donation for transfusion to the same recipient through the use of multicomponent apheresis – may also reduce the risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury. To choose between pathogen-reduced and non–pathogen-reduced single-donor platelets, the increased risks of bleeding complications as well as other possible adverse events secondary to PR need to be quantified precisely and weighed against the competing risks of TABS and emerging TTIs.
Pharma TARP: A Troubled Asset Relief Program for Novel, Abandoned Projects in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Bartfai Tamas , Lees Graham Vaughan
Published: August 2011

Within days of each other, Pfizer, Merck, and GlaxoSmithKline announced that they will focus on a few therapeutic areas only and abandon others entirely. Pfizer alone will close well over a hundred drug development projects that have reached two-thirds of the way to launch. The programs are deemed to be too risky and not lucrative enough for Big Pharma in the current climate. Society has a real need for the drugs that are no longer going to be developed for, among others, drug-resistant epilepsy, neuropathic and cancer pain, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and schizophrenia. The authors propose a radical response by the U.S. government and the National Institutes of Health to rescue these abandoned projects, and to continue selected programs for drug approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. The investment required is small compared to the Troubled Asset Relief Program bank bail out, but the return on investment in financial terms and in satisfying societal needs makes this proposal attractive.
Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain Dimers in Human Diseases
Authors: Kaplan Batia , Livneh Avi , Sela Ben-Ami
Published: August 2011

Immunoglobulin free light chain (FLC) kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) isotypes exist mainly in monomeric and dimeric forms. Under pathological conditions, the level of FLCs as well as the structure of monomeric and dimeric FLCs and their dimerization properties might be significantly altered. The abnormally high fractions of dimeric FLCs were demonstrated in the serum of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and primary systemic amyloidosis (AL), as well as in the serum of anephric patients. The presence of tetra- and trimolecular complexes formed due to dimer-dimer and dimer-monomer interactions was detected in the myeloma serum. Analysis of the amyloidogenic light chains demonstrated mutations within the dimer interface, thus raising the possibility that these mutations are responsible for amyloidogenicity. Increased κ monomer and dimer levels, as well as a high κ/λ monomer ratio, were typically found in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In many MS cases, the elevation of κ FLCs was accompanied by an abnormally high proportion of λ dimers. This review focuses on the disease-related changes of the structure and level of dimeric FLCs, and raises the questions regarding their formation, function, and role in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of human diseases.
Acute and Subchronic Airway Inflammation after Intratracheal Instillation of Quartz and Titanium Dioxide Agglomerates in Mice
Authors: Roursgaard Martin , Jensen Keld A. , Poulsen Steen S. , Jensen Niels-Erik V. , Poulsen Lars K. , Hammer Maria , Nielsen Gunnar D. , Larsen Søren T.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the acute and subchronic inflammatory effects of micrometer-size (micro-size) and nanometer-size (nano-size) particles after intratracheal (i.t.) installation in mice. The role of the type of compound, polymorphism, and size of the particles was investigated. Studied compounds were the two micro-size reference quartzes, SRM1878a and DQ12, a micro- and nano-size rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2), a nano-size anatase, and an amorphous TiO2. Particles were administered by a single i.t. instillation in mice at a fixed dose of 5, 50, and 500 μg, respectively. Inflammation was evaluated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) content of inflammatory cells, the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as from lung histology. Evaluations were at 24 h (acute effects) and 3 months (subchronic effects) after instillations. Both types of quartz induced a dose-dependent acute increase of neutrophils, IL-6, and total protein in BALF. Limited subchronic inflammation was observed. All types of TiO2induced a dose-dependent acute increase of neutrophils in BALF. In the acute phase, micro- and nano-size rutile and nano-size amorphous TiO2induced elevated levels of IL-6 and total protein in BALF at the highest dose. At the nano-size rutile and amorphous TiO2, subchronic lung inflammation was apparent from a dose-dependent increase in BALF macrophages. Histology showed little inflammation overall. The two types of quartz showed virtually similar inflammatory effects. Nearly similar effects were observed for two sizes of rutile TiO2. Differences were seen between the different polymorphs of nano-size TiO2, with rutile being the most inflammogenic and amorphous being the most potent in regard to acute tissue damage.
Hepatic Hydrothorax without Any Evidence of Ascites
Authors: Doraiswamy Vikram , Riar Sandeep , Shrestha Pranabh , Pi Justin , Alsumrain Mohammad , Bennet-Venner Arianne , Kam Jennifer , Klukowicz Alan , Miller Richard
Published: August 2011

Hepatic hydrothorax usually presents in association with ascites, but there are rare cases when it does not. This case helps to support the differential of hepatic hydrothorax in patients who have a history of liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and recurrent pleural effusions without ascites. We hope to support the conclusion that a patient with recurrent pleural effusions, without ascites, does not exclude gastrointestinal involvement in its etiology.
Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Lahmiti Saad , Aboussad Abdelmounaim
Published: August 2011

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants. It involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel. Although it affects only 1 in 2,000 to 4,000 births, or between 1 and 5% of neonatal intensive care unit admissions, NEC is the most common and serious gastrointestinal disorder among hospitalized preterm infants. We present a very representative abdominal X-ray of this disease.
Methods to Predict and Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ercole Barbara , Parekh Dipen J.
Published: August 2011

Chemoprevention for prostate cancer (PCa) continues to generate interest from both physicians and the patient population. The goal of chemoprevention is to stop the malignant transformation of prostate cells into cancer. Multiple studies on different substances ranging from supplements to medical therapy have been undertaken. Thus far, only the studies on 5α-reductase inhibitors (the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial [PCPT] and Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events [REDUCE] trial) have demonstrated a reduction in the risk of PCa, while results from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) concluded no decreased risk for PCa with selenium or vitamin E.
The Paradigm of G Protein Receptor Transactivation: A Mechanistic Definition and Novel Example
Authors: Little Peter J. , Burch Micah L. , Al-aryahi Sefaa , Zheng Wenhua
Published: August 2011

Seven transmembrane G protein—coupled receptors are among the most common in biology and they transduce cellular signals from a plethora of hormones. As well as their own well-characterized signaling pathways, they can also transactivate tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors to greatly expand their own cellular repertoire of responses. Recent data in vascular smooth muscle cells have expanded the breadth of transactivation to include serine/threonine kinase receptors, specifically the receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Stimulation with endothelin and thrombin leads to the rapid formation of C-terminal phosphorylated Smad2, which is the immediate product of activation of the TGF-β receptor. Additionally, it appears that no definition of transactivation based on mechanism is available, so we have provided a definition involving temporal aspects and the absence of de novo protein synthesis. The phenomenon of transactivation is an important biochemical mechanism and potential drug target in multiple diseases.
Do Standardised Prognostic Algorithms Reflect Local Practice? Application of EORTC Risk Tables for Non-Muscle Invasive (pTa/pT1) Bladder Cancer Recurrence and Progression in a Local Cohort
Authors: Pillai Rajiv , Wang Duolao , Mayer Erik K. , Abel Paul
Published: August 2011

A risk calculator algorithm to allow prediction of probabilities of 1- and 5-year recurrence and progression rates in individuals with pTa/pT1 bladder cancer has been proposed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and was incorporated into the European Association of Urology guidelines in 2006. We attempted to validate this algorithm in a cohort of patients with known outcome. Prognostic data were collected from a consecutively presenting cohort of 109 patients with non-muscle invasive (pTa/pT1) transitional cell cancer (TCC) at a single institution between 1983 and 1985. Using the same statistical models as in the EORTC original paper, predicted probabilities of 1- and 5-year recurrence and progression were calculated. Patients were divided into four risk groups for recurrence (Ir-IVr) and progression (Ip-IVp), respectively, using six prognostic criteria. These were then compared to the probabilities predicted in the EORTC algorithm. The predicted 1- and 5-year probabilities of recurrence were significantly higher in the study population as compared to the original EORTC algorithm for all four risk groups. The predicted 1-year probabilities for progression in groups Ip/IIIp and at 5-years for groups Ip/IIp were in accordance with the original algorithm, but were higher for the other progression groups. The concordance for the model of prediction using the study group for recurrence at 1 and 5 years was 62 and 63%, respectively, and for progression was 65 and 67, respectively. We were unable to validate the proposed algorithm in our group of patients. Although our study has limitations that prevent firm conclusions on the validity of the algorithm, it does expose some of the drawbacks of standardised nomograms when applied to local clinical practice.
Prostate Cancer
Authors: Eggener Scott
Published: August 2011

Prostate cancer continues to be a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly in countries where men have life expectancies long enough to clinically manifest the disease. In many countries, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

Although significant progress has been made over the past few decades, many elements regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with prostate cancer remain enigmatic. In this Prostate Cancer special issue, our expert authors present and examine clinically relevant topics and look ahead to future research.
The Effects of High-Fidelity Simulation on Salivary Cortisol Levels in SRNA Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jones Terri , Goss Sarah , Weeks Bethany , Miura Hiroko , Bassandeh Damian , Cheek Dennis
Published: August 2011

The use of clinical simulation in graduate level nursing education provides the opportunity for students to learn and apply theoretical practices of nursing care in a safe and controlled environment. It was postulated that laboratory simulation would mimic the stress levels of a real clinical situation as measured by the stress hormone cortisol. The purpose of this study was to determine whether high-fidelity simulation approximates the stress experienced by nurse anesthesia students in the operating room. Participants (n = 21) were recruited from an accredited nurse anesthesia program in the southern U.S. Saliva was collected for 3 days under controlled conditions for baseline data. Next, saliva was collected for 3 days: the day before, the day of, and the day after simulation. The same process was repeated for the first clinical day in the operating room. The participants acted as their own control. There was a significant (p< 0.05) increase in cortisol levels during laboratory simulation as compared to baseline values. Although levels of cortisol were higher during clinical time than baseline, this increase was not significant (p> 0.05), and levels were lower than levels during simulation. Laboratory simulation of patient scenarios raised the stress hormone cortisol level threefold above baseline levels in nurse anesthesia students, while actual clinical experience did not.
Perils and Pitfalls Regarding Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Diamantidis Michael D. , Myrou Athena D.
Published: August 2011

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL), belonging to the CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (PCLPDs), is a rare T-cell lymphoma, presenting on the skin and characterized by very good prognosis and response to treatment in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, PC-ALCL must be distinguished from secondary skin lesions in systemic ALCL, which confer a poor prognosis, and other CD30+ PCLPDs, reactive conditions, or borderline cases. Given their rarity and heterogeneity, these entities represent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, thus requiring a multidisciplinary approach and expertise to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management. There are several perils and pitfalls that exist regarding the differential diagnosis, the possible progression, and the treatment of PC-ALCL. Careful staging, correlation of clinical findings with histopathology and immunopathology, and thorough follow-up are essential in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease.
Mid-Range Inhomogeneity of Eukaryotic Genomes
Authors: Fedorova Larisa , Fedorov Alexei
Published: August 2011

Multicellular eukaryotic genomes are replete with nonprotein coding sequences, both within genes (introns) and between them (intergenic regions). Excluding the well-recognized functional elements within these sequences (ncRNAs, transcription factor binding sites, intronic enhancers/silencers, etc.), the remaining portion is made up of so-called “dark” DNA, which still occupies the majority of the genome. This dark DNA has a profound nonrandomness in its sequence composition seen at different scales, from a few nucleotides to regions that span over hundreds of thousands of nucleotides. At the mid-range scale (from 30 up to 10,000 nt), this nonrandomness is manifested in base compositional extremes detected for each of four nucleotides (A, G, T, or C) or any of their combinations. Examples of such compositional nonrandomness are A-rich, purine-rich, or G+T-rich regions. Almost every combination of nucleotides has such enriched regions. We refer to these regions as being “inhomogeneous”. These regions are associated with unusual DNA conformations and/or particular DNA properties. In particular, mid-range inhomogeneous regions have complex arrangements relative to each other and to specific genomic sites, such as centromeres, telomeres, and promoters, pointing to their important role in genomic functioning and organization.
Weak Static and Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields AffectIn VitroPollen Germination
Authors: Betti Lucietta , Trebbi Grazia , Fregola Fabio , Zurla Michela , Mesirca Pietro , Brizzi Maurizio , Borghini Francesco
Published: August 2011

This study concerns the effects of a weak static magnetic field (MF) at 10 μT oriented downward, combined with a 16-Hz sinusoidal MF (10 μT), onin vitropollen germination of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). Extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure was carried out by a signal generator unit connected to a copper wire solenoid, inside which samples where placed. Two different kinds of treatment were performed: direct and indirect. In the direct treatment, pollen samples were directly exposed during rehydration, germination, or both. In the indirect treatment, the pollen growth medium was prepared with water aliquots (at standard temperature of 20°C and pH = 6.74) that were exposed before use for 8 or 24 h. The main purpose of our research was to identify a biological marker (in vitropollen germination in a stressing growth medium without Ca2+) susceptible to the effects of direct or indirect ELF-MF exposure. The working variable was the pollen germination rate, as detected blind after 3 h 30 min by an Axioplan microscope. A directionally consistent recovery of germination percentage was observed both for direct exposure (during germination and both rehydration and germination phases) and water-mediated exposure (with water exposed for 24 h and immediately used). Our results suggest that the ELF-MF treatment might partially remove the inhibitory effect caused by the lack of Ca2+in the culture medium, inducing a release of internal Ca2+stored in the secretory vesicles of pollen plasma membrane. Although preliminary, findings seem to indicate thein vitropollen performance as adequate to study the effects of ELF-MFs on living matter.
Cannabinoids and Innate Immunity: Taking a Toll on Neuroinflammation
Authors: Downer Eric J.
Published: August 2011

The biologically active components of cannabis have therapeutic potential in neuroinflammatory disorders due to their anti-inflammatory propensity. Cannabinoids influence immune function in both the peripheral and the central nervous system (CNS), and the components of the cannabinoid system, the cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), have been detected on immune cells as well as in brain glia. Neuroinflammation is the complex innate immune response of neural tissue to control infection and eliminate pathogens, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a major family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that mediate innate immunity, have emerged as players in the neuroinflammatory processes underpinning various CNS diseases. This review will highlight evidence that cannabinoids interact with the immune system by impacting TLR-mediated signaling events, which may provide cues for devising novel therapeutic approaches for cannabinoid ligands.
Determinants of Internet Addiction among Adolescents: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tsitsika Artemis , Critselis Elena , Louizou Amalia , Janikian Mari , Freskou Aliki , Marangou Evgenia , Kormas Georgios , Kafetzis Dimitrios A.
Published: August 2011

Internet Addiction (IA) is associated with adverse psychosocial development and mental disorders. The study aims were to evaluate the psychosocial profiles and psychiatric comorbidities associated with IA among adolescents. A case-control study was conducted among 129 adolescents in the outpatient setting of the Adolescent Health Unit of the Second University Department of Pediatrics in Athens, Greece. The case group consisted of 86 adolescents with IA as evaluated following psychiatric interview with two independent examiners. The control group consisted of 43 adolescents without IA, frequency matched for age and gender with case group participants. The study findings indicated that adolescents with IA were significantly more likely to have divorced parents (p= 0.012) and/or dysfunctional familial relationships (p< 0.0001). The proportion of adolescents with poor academic performance (p< 0.0001) and unexcused school absences (p= 0.004) was greater among those with IA. Moreover, approximately two-thirds of the adolescents with IA were engaged in high-risk behaviors (p< 0.0001). Finally, adolescents with IA were 3.89 times more likely to present with comorbid psychiatric conditions (CI 95%: 1.19–12.70), including depression (10.5 vs. 0%;p= 0.022). Adolescent IA is associated with deterred familial functions, poor academic performance, engagement in high-risk behaviors, and an augmented likelihood for depression.
Pseudosarcomatous Fibromyxoid Tumor of the Prostate
Authors: Atis Gokhan , Gurbuz Cenk , Kiremit Murat Can , Guner Bayram , Zemheri Ebru , Caskurlu Turhan
Published: August 2011

We present the case of a 61-year-old patient who was evaluated for benign infravesical obstruction due to a pseudosarcomatous fibromyxoid tumor of the prostate. This entity is rare and difficult to distinguish from a malignant lesion. A discussion of the pathological features and a review of the literature are given.
An Alternative to the Human Hemoglobin Test in the Investigation of Bloodstains Treated with Active Oxygen: The Human Glycophorin A Test
Authors: Castelló Ana , Francés Francesc , Verdú Fernando
Published: August 2011

In criminal investigations, there are three stages involved when studying bloodstains: search and orientation, confirmation, and individualization. Confirmatory tests have two aims: to show that the stain contains a human biological fluid and to confirm the type of biological fluid. The need to determine the nature of the evidence is reflected in the latest bibliography, where the possibility of employing mRNA and miRNA markers for this purpose is proposed. While these new proposals are being investigated, the kits for determining human hemoglobin currently provide a simple solution for resolving this issue. With these kits, the possibility of obtaining false positives and false negatives is well known. However, recently, a new problem has been detected. This involves the interference caused by new cleaning products that contain sodium percarbonate (or active oxygen) when determining human hemoglobin. With the aim to resolve this problem, this work studied the ability of the human glycophorin A test to determine human blood in samples that have been treated with active oxygen. Our results show that the human glycophorin A test has a greater resistance to the destructive effect of the new detergents containing active oxygen; consequently, it provides an alternative to be taken into consideration in the confirmatory diagnoses of bloodstains.
The Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support on the Relationship between Physical Functional Impairment and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Nursing Home Elderly in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Sylvia Y. C. L. , Yeung Dannii Y. L. , Chung Annie
Published: August 2011

With reference to the stress-buffering model, this study aimed to examine the moderating role of perceived social support (including institutional peer support and family support) on the relationship between physical functional impairment, as a source of stress, and depressive symptoms among Chinese nursing home elderly in Hong Kong. The study used a cross-sectional survey method and convenience sampling. The subjects were recruited from two private nursing homes. A total of 187 elderly (54 males and 133 females) participated in the survey. Interviews were conducted by experienced research assistants. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms of each participant. Pearson correlational analyses showed that females reported more depressive symptoms than their male counterparts, and a positive relationship was found between education level and depressive symptoms. Perceived institutional peer support was negatively correlated, while physical functional impairment was positively correlated with depressive symptoms. However, there was no significant correlation between perceived family support and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that physical functional impairment and perceived institutional peer support were significant predictors of elderly depressive symptoms, while perceived family support was not a significant predictor, after statistically controlling for the influence of gender and education level. Perceived institutional peer support, but not perceived family support, was found to moderate the negative impact of physical functional impairment on elderly depressive symptoms. The theoretical and practical implications of this study were then discussed.
Collagen Fibrils in Cultured and Wild Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Liver. An Electron Microscopy and Image Analysis Study
Authors: Berillis Panagiotis , Mente Eleni , Nengas Ioannis
Published: August 2011

This study aims to measure liver collagen fibril diameter in cultured and wild sea breams (Sparus aurata). Cultured sea breams were fed three isonitrogenous diets. The organically produced feed contained sustainable certified fish meal (45%), fish oil (14%), and organic certified wheat; the laboratory feed contained fish meal (45%), fish oil (14%), wheat meal, and soya meal; and the commercial feed included fish meal (46%), fish oil (17%), soya meal, wheat meal, and corn gluten meal. The organic diet had higher amounts of vitamins A, C, and E; specific amino acids; and minerals that enhanced the biosynthesis of collagen. This study shows that fish fed the organic feed had significantly bigger collagen fibril diameters than the fish fed the conventional feed. Furthermore, the organically fed fish had similarly sized collagen fibril diameters as wild fish. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects and the mechanism and function of fish collagen peptide intake on lipid absorption and metabolism; and to identify dietary regimes that are able to improve whole body lipid profiles and suppress the transient increase of plasma triglycerides.
Effectiveness of a Positive Youth Development Program for Secondary 1 Students in Macau: A Pilot Study
Authors: Luk Andrew L. , Au Annah M. L. , Leong K. M. , Zhu Michelle M. X. , Lau G. B. , Wong Tammy C. P. , Lei Nancy W. I.
Published: August 2011

With the rapid change to society after the opening of the gaming licensure by the government and the potential attraction to youth caused by the casinos, a well-tested and comprehensive adolescent development program previously established in Hong Kong was adopted and modified to be used in Macau. It is expected to help our adolescents achieve positive growth and be better prepared for future challenges. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the modified positive youth development program for Secondary 1 Students in Macau. Specifically, two research questions will be asked: (1) How does the positive youth development program affect positive growth for youth in Macau?; and (2) Is youth growth related to different factors such as gender, age, family financial condition, and parents' marital status? A mixed research method with a quantitative approach using a pre- and post-test pre-experimental design, and a qualitative approach using a focus group for the participants is carried out. The study sample included 232 Secondary 1 Students in two schools. The objective outcome evaluation showed that, overall, 123 (53%) of the participants had significant improvement on the total scores of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale (CPYDS) and the two composite scores. However, there were some increases in the behavioral intention of alcohol drinking and participation in gambling activities. The “happiness of the family life” was found to have significant differences in the score of the CPYDS, which was shown to be the factor related to youth growth. The focus group interviews revealed that both positive and negative feedback was obtained from the discussion; however, the majority of the participants perceived benefits to themselves from the program. With reference to the principle of triangulation, the present study suggests that, based on both quantitative and qualitative evaluation findings, it should be concluded that there is positive evidence supporting the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of the Hong Kong Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes), which was adopted and modified for Macau. In addition, special attention should be paid to the behavioral intention of alcohol drinking and participation in gambling activities in the local context.
Treatment of a Textile Effluent from Dyeing with Cochineal Extracts UsingTrametes versicolorFungus
Authors: Arroyo-Figueroa Gabriela , Ruiz-Aguilar Graciela M. L. , López-Martínez Leticia , González-Sánchez Guillermo , Cuevas-Rodríguez Germán , Rodríguez-Vázquez Refugio
Published: August 2011

Trametes versicolor(Tv) fungus can degrade synthetic dyes that contain azo groups, anthraquinone, triphenylmethane polymers, and heterocyclic groups. However, no references have been found related to the degradation of natural dyes, such as the carminic acid that is contained in the cochineal extract. Experiments to determine the decolorization of the effluent used in the cotton dyeing process with cochineal extract by means of Tv fungus were done. Treatments to determine decolorization in the presence or absence of Kirk's medium, glucose, and fungus, with an addition of 50% (v v-1) of nonsterilized effluent were performed. Physicochemical characterization was performed at the start and end of the treatment. Degradation kinetics were determined. A direct relationship was found between the dry weight of fungi, pH, and the decolorization system, with higher decolorization at lower pH levels (pH ~4.3). High decolorization (81% ± 0.09; 88% ± 0.17; and 99% ± 0.04) for three of the eight treatments (Kirk's medium without glucose, Kirk's medium with glucose, and without medium with glucose, respectively) was found. Toxicity tests determined an increase in the initial effluent toxicity (7.33 TU) compared with the final treatment (47.73 TU) in a period of 11 days. For this system, a degradation sequence of the carminic acid structure present in the effluent by the Tv fungus is suggested, in which it is seen that metabolites still containing aromatic structures are generated.
Structural analysis of MHC alleles in an RSV tumour regression chicken using a BAC library
Authors: Suzuki K. , Kobayashi E. , Yamashita H. , Uenishi H. , Churkina I. , Plastow G. , Hamasima N. , Mitsuhashi T.
Published: August 2011

The chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC‐B locus) has a strong association with resistance and susceptibility to numerous diseases. We have found a B haplotype designated WLA that associated with the regression of tumours caused by Rous sarcoma virus J strain (RSV‐J). Haplotype WLA was identical to the regressive B6 haplotype when partial genotyping was performed (Poultry Science, 89, 2010, 651). We then constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library from a WLA homozygote chicken to evaluate the structure of this regression haplotype and compared it to those of the B6 haplotype. Comparison between WLA and B6 above 59 kb within the 167 kb, including 14 genes from BG1 to BF2, revealed 75 SNPs and 14 indels. However, several genes were identical between WLA and B6, including the BF1 and BF2 genes, which encode a class I molecule previously suggested to be related to the regression phenotype. The BLB2 gene encoding the MHC class II beta chain showed the greatest diversity, with 19 non‐synonymous SNPs. A comparison of WLA and B6 haplotpyes that are associated with tumour regression and RIRa and B24 haplotypes associated with tumour progression suggests that DMA1, DMA2, BRD2, TAPBP and BLB2 genes are not involved in the intensity of RSV J tumour regression.
Intraoperative squash cytology: accuracy and impact on immediate surgical management of central nervous system tumours
Authors: Krishnani N. , Kumari N. , Behari S. , Rana C. , Gupta P.
Published: August 2011

N. Krishnani, N. Kumari, S. Behari, C. Rana and P. Gupta  Intraoperative squash cytology: diagnostic accuracy and its impact on immediate surgical management of central nervous system tumours

Objective:  To assess the diagnostic accuracy of squash cytology, reasons for deferment, disagreement and partial agreement, and assess its impact on immediate surgical management of central nervous system tumours.

Study design:  All cases of squash cytology received from January 2007 to July 2010 were reviewed and correlated with final histopathological diagnoses. Deferments, disagreements and partial disagreements were reviewed to look for possible reasons. The impact of disagreements and partial agreements on immediate surgical management was evaluated in consultation with neurosurgeons.

Results:  Overall accuracy (including complete and partial agreement) for squash smear diagnosis of 334 cases was 94.9% while complete agreement was 79.9%, excluding deferred cases. Disagreement was seen in 17 cases and 31 cases were deferred for final histopathology diagnosis. Good correlation was seen in astrocytoma, meningioma, schwannoma, medulloblastoma, pituitary adenoma and metastatic carcinoma, whereas poor correlation was seen in oligodendroglioma, ependymoma and lymphoma. Among 17 cases with disagreement and 50 cases with partial agreement, an adverse impact on immediate surgical management was found in six (35.3%) cases and one (2.0%) case, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of squash for diagnosis of neoplastic lesions were 98.7% and 87.5%, respectively.

Conclusion:  Squash cytology is a rapid, reliable, simple technique for intraoperative consultation in neurosurgical practice with high overall accuracy. Causes causing an adverse impact on surgical management were rare and potential avoidable reasons for them were identified.
Virion glycosylation governs integrity and infectivity of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus
Authors: Fridholm H , Everitt E
Published: August 2011

The possible importance of the O‐linked glycosylation in virion stability and infectivity of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) was analysed. Enzymatic treatment with O‐glycosidase of radiolabelled virions under different ionic conditions, to allow for possible alternative exposure of glycosidic enzyme cleavage sites, did not alter the specific infectivity of virions re‐isolated after rate‐zonal centrifugation in glycerol gradients. As an alternative method to assess the significance of carbohydrates in IPNV integrity, periodate oxidation in the presence of an aldehyde quencher was chosen. Following re‐isolation of viruses, a 3–5 10log‐unit reduction in specific infectivity was revealed and, at higher concentrations, a total disruption or virion aggregation was observed. The loss of infectivity of intact virions was not because of a lack of attachment to cells. Additionally, re‐evaluation of reading values from UV‐spectra of purified IPNV yielded a specific infectivity of 3 × 1011 TCID50‐units mg−1 of protein and a ratio of 40 virions per TCID50‐unit in the CHSE‐214 cell system.
Establishment and characterization of a new cell line derived from kidney of grouper, Epinephelus akaara (Temminck & Schlegel), susceptible to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV)
Authors: Gong J , Huang Y , Huang X , Ouyang Z , Guo M , Qin Q
Published: August 2011

A marine fish cell line derived from the kidney of red‐spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara, designated as EAGK was established and characterized. The EAGK cells multiplied well in Leibovitz’s L‐15 medium containing 10% foetal bovine serum at 25 °C and have been subcultured for more than 90 passages. Karyotyping, chromosomal typing and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genotyping analysis revealed that EAGK had a modal diploid chromosome number of 82 and was a fibroblast cell line originated from grouper. A severe cytopathic effect was observed in EAGK cells incubated with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), but not with soft‐shelled turtle iridovirus, viral nervous necrosis virus or spring viraemia of carp virus. SGIV replication was further confirmed by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and virus titre determination. Bright fluorescence was observed after transfection with fluorescent protein reporter plasmids, indicating that EAGK cells can be used to identify gene functions in vitro. In addition, the cell organelles including mitochondria and endoplasm reticulum changed and aggregated around virus factories after SGIV infection, suggested that the EAGK cell line could be an important tool for investigation of iridovirus–host interactions.