bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale During Toddlerhood
Authors: Hodges Eric A. , Houck Gail M. , Kindermann Thomas
Published: March 2009

This study examined the validity of the Nursing Child Assessment of Feeding Scale (NCAFS) during toddlerhood, using a longitudinal design to assess the scale's convergence with the Toddler Snack Scale (TSS) between 12 and 36 months, and comparing videotaped interactions of 116 mother—toddler dyads. Differences between TSS mutuality classifications were found for the NCAFS subscales at each age. The pattern of mean scores followed expected directions at 12 and 36 months, but only two of the six NCAFS subscales maintained this pattern at 24 months. Significant differences were found between TSS mutuality classifications and NCAFS dyadic scores at each age. With one exception, “connected” and “marginal” dyads had consistently higher dyadic scores than dyads classified as “poor” in mutuality. There were no differences between connected and marginal dyads. The NCAFS does not appear to capture control-autonomy balance as well as the TSS, and a revision for toddlerhood may be needed.
Demographic Determinants of Necessary Dissaving Among Older Persons
Authors: Temple Jeromey B. , Brandon Peter D.
Published: March 2009

Because of population aging, many governments are placing greater responsibility on older persons to fund their retirement. Within this context, older persons' financial self-sufficiency during times of stress is important to understand. Using data from the 2002 Australian General Social Survey, this article reports on the prevalence of older persons drawing on financial resources to meet the cost of everyday living expenses when current income is insufficient, identifies the kinds of resources older persons draw on to meet the costs of everyday necessities, and estimates the effects of demographic factors on different necessary dissaving strategies. Results indicate that about 11% of older persons find it necessary to employ some type of dissaving strategy and that the factors associated with asset dissaving differ from the factors associated with liability dissaving. Future research needs to examine the effects of unanticipated events on necessary dissaving and alternative motives for dissaving.
Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis Associated With Isopropanol Ingestion in an Infant
Authors: Nwosu Michelle E. , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: March 2009

This report describes a 5-week-old female infant who presented with accidental ingestion of rubbing alcohol (which contains about 70% isopropanol), and was subsequently diagnosed with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. Isopropanol is a clear, volatile 3-carbon alcohol found in varying concentrations in many solvents. Mislabeled rubbing alcohol was mixed with this patient's formula. After ingesting it, she presented with a 1-day history of uncontrolled fussiness and an episode of deviation of the eyes to the right for 30 minutes, followed by rhythmic movements of the arms and legs for 20 minutes. Cerebral imaging demonstrated sinovenous thrombosis. To our knowledge, there have been no reports describing cerebral sinovenous thrombosis as a complication of isopropanol ingestion. The possible association of isopropanol ingestion and sinovenous thrombosis is discussed.
Weight Gain in Children Treated With Valproate
Authors: Sharpe Cynthia , Wolfson Tanya , Trauner Doris A.
Published: March 2009

Weight gain in children due to valproate is a major concern in the treatment of epilepsy. Previous studies have yielded conflicting results both as to how common this problem is in children and as to whether there are clinical predictors of weight gain. The authors perform a chart review of 94 pediatric patients treated with valproate to investigate weight gain and potential predictors. The slope of the regression line for the body mass index z scores for each patient at each available visit was calculated, (Δz-score). Relationships between Δz scores and predictors of interest were assessed via univariate analyses. Twenty-three of 94 patients had Δz score >0.25 SD/year. Twelve of 94 patients had Δz score >0.5 SD/year. Pediatric participants appear to be less prone to weight gain on valproate than adults. A negative correlation was found between duration on treatment and Δz score. No other significant correlations were found between potential clinical predictors and Δz score.
Segmental Spinal Myoclonus and Metastatic Cervical Ganglioglioma: An Unusual Association
Authors: Massimi Luca , Battaglia Domenica , Paternoster Giovanna , Martinelli Diego , Sturiale Carmelo , Di Rocco Concezio
Published: March 2009

Segmental spinal myoclonus rarely occurs in association with spinal cord tumor. Only 3 cases have been reported in children so far, mainly concerning astrocytomas of the thoracic spinal cord. We report on a 2-year-old boy suffering from segmental spinal myoclonus involving the upper limbs and harboring a cervical tumor. The clinical and electrophysiological features ruled out a myoclonus of different origin (cortical, subcortical, propriospinal) other than other types of movement disorders. Neuroimaging and histological examinations showed the exceptional presence of a ganglioglioma as the cause of the segmental spinal myoclonus. The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics as well as the possible etiopathogenesis and differential diagnosis are discussed on the basis of the pertinent literature to add some more information about the unusual association between spinal cord tumors and spinal myoclonus.
Cardiovascular and Neurological Adverse Events Associated With Antidepressant Treatment in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Jerrell Jeanette M. , McIntyre Roger S.
Published: March 2009

A retrospective cohort design of Medicaid medical and pharmacy claims for 1996 through 2005 was employed for 14 171 children and adolescents prescribed an antidepressant medication and a random sample of 4500 children not treated with any class of psychotropic medication to compare the prevalence rates of cardiovascular and neurological adverse events. The treated cohort evinced a higher prevalence of cardiovascular events, orthostatic hypotension, seizures, insomnia, and headaches. In the treated cohort, patients were at a significantly higher risk for incident cardiovascular events when exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and weight-inducing antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Incident orthostatic hypotension was associated with weight-inducing antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Incident seizures and extrapyramidal symptoms were unrelated to antidepressant or co-prescribed psychotropic medications, but both were significantly associated with comorbid central nervous system, organic brain/mental retardation, or preexisting cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions. Headaches and dizziness were significantly related to taking mood stabilizers.
Partial Epilepsy in an Adolescent Male With Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 1B
Authors: Tsao Chang-Yong , Mendell Jerry R.
Published: March 2009

Muscular dystrophies are inherited muscle disorders associated with different gene mutations. Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy is associated with cobblestone lissencephaly and epilepsy frequently. Rarely, other types of muscular dystrophies are also associated with epilepsy including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy with partial and complete deficiency of laminin α2 chain, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2A with calpain deficiency. We now report another rare case of partial epilepsy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B with lamin A/C gene mutation.
Insights on Chronic-Relapsing Opsoclonus-Myoclonus From a Pilot Study of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Authors: Pranzatelli Michael R. , Tate Elizabeth D. , Travelstead Anna L. , Baumgardner Christine A. , Gowda Narayana V. , Halthore Sri N. , Kerstan Peter , Kossak Brian D. , Mitchell Wendy G. , Taub Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2009

Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is characterized by abnormal lymphocyte trafficking into brain. The authors hypothesized that mycophenolate mofetil, a lymphocyte proliferation inhibitor, might be therapeutic. The cerebrospinal fluid and blood immunophenotypes of 15 children with predominantly chronic-relapsing opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome were compared before and after treatment by flow cytometry. Mycophenolate mofetil reduced the cerebrospinal fluid expansion of HLA-DR+ activated T cells (—40%); the frequency of other T-cell or natural killer cell subsets remained unchanged, but cerebrospinal fluid B cells increased significantly. Adrenocorticotropic hormone dose was lowered by 64% over an average of 1.5 years, yet 73% eventually relapsed despite therapeutic drug levels. Prior treatment with rituximab prevented relapse-associated increase in cerebrospinal fluid B cells, without hindering mycophenolate mofetil—induced reduction in T-cell activation. These data demonstrate resistant immunologic problems in chronic-relapsing opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. Mycophenolate mofetil did not prevent relapse. The novel effect of mycophenolate mofetil on chronically activated T cells may contribute to its efficacy in T-cell mediated neurological disorders.
Learning Disabilities Do Not Go Away: 20- to 25-Year Study of Cognition, Academic Achievement, and Affective Illness
Authors: Morris Mary Ann , Schraufnagel Caitlin D. , Chudnow Robert S. , Weinberg Warren A.
Published: March 2009

This study was undertaken to establish how the current level of cognitive and academic functioning in adults might correlate with the previous testing performed at a small private school in Dallas, Texas, that serves students with learning disabilities. Each of the 40 participants had been evaluated as students 20 to 25 years previously using the standard cognitive and achievement tests accepted in practice during the 1970s. Additionally, the medical director of the school, a neurologist, had evaluated each student for neurologic and behavioral disorders. At the time of follow-up, the participants were administered a battery of intellectual and achievement measures commensurate with the previous testing and a detailed neurologic and neurobehavioral examination was performed. A significant correlation was found between the original and the current test scores, confirming both that learning disabilities persist into adulthood and that children with affective illness have a significant risk for later recurrent affective illness episodes.
Transient Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Hyperintensity in Basal Ganglia and Brain Stem of Epileptic Infants Treated With Vigabatrin
Authors: Milh Mathieu , Villeneuve Nathalie , Chapon Fréderique , Pineau Sandrine , Lamoureux Sylvie , Livet Marie-Odile , Bartoli Céline , Hugonenq Catherine , Mancini Josette , Chabrol Brigitte , Girard Nadine
Published: March 2009

Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug that produces intramyelinic edema in several animal models. This study investigates the effect of vigabatrin on the developing human brain. The authors retrospectively blindly review 34 brain magnetic resonance imaging of 22 epileptic infants (age: 9 ± 1 months) that received vigabatrin, focusing on the presence of hyperintensity on T2- and diffusion-weighted images. Patients treated with vigabatrin displayed significant magnetic resonance imaging hyperintensity of basal ganglia and brain stem (P < .001, Wilcoxon test). This hyperintensity was transient and maximal 3 to 6 months after the beginning of vigabatrin. Hyperintensity was independent from duration and type of epilepsy, and from the presence or absence of seizures. The authors conclude that vigabatrin treatment is associated with transient hypersignal of the basal ganglia and brain stem in epileptic infants. Such transient hyperintensity is likely to be age-dependent and time-dependent because it has never been observed in adult patients.
MRI Appearance of Sturge-Weber Syndrome in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Is the Neural Crest the Culprit?
Authors: Curatolo Paolo
Published: March 2009

Several neurocutaneous syndromes have been reported in association with tuberous sclerosis complex. The coexistence of intracranial features of Sturge-Weber syndrome in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex has been recently described. Several hypotheses can be raised to explain this association. The coexistence of signs of both diseases in the same patient could be explained by abnormal neural crest development, and by mutually enhanced common altered pathways. Mutation characterization of tuberous sclerosis complex and a better definition of the clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes could offer a crucial contribution to the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of these disorders.
Late Complications of Vertebral Artery Dissection in Children: Pseudoaneurysm, Thrombosis, and Recurrent Stroke
Authors: Tan Marilyn A. , Armstrong Derek , MacGregor Daune L. , Kirton Adam
Published: March 2009

Craniocervical arterial dissection is an important cause of childhood arterial ischemic stroke, accounting for 7.5% to 20% of cases. Significant neurologic morbidity and mortality may result and recurrence risk may be higher than in adults. However, the natural history and long-term outcome of pediatric dissection are poorly studied. We report 3 cases of extracranial vertebral artery dissection with complications including pseudoaneurysm formation, recurrent stroke, and late spontaneous thrombosis of the dissected artery. These cases illustrate the dynamic processes involved in vascular injury and healing of vertebral artery dissection in children over years, with potential implications for long-term management and prevention of recurrence.
Unusual Clinical Presentation of Tuberless Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Kaufmann Rami , Kornreich Liora , Goldberg-Stern Hadassa
Published: March 2009

Cortical tubers are the hallmark of tuberous sclerosis. Their presence is expected on brain imaging, especially when seizures begin before 1 year of age with concomitant significant developmental delay. Increased tuber counts have been reported to be associated with seizures and poor cognitive outcome. We present a 3-year-old girl with intractable seizures that started as infantile spasms at 2 months of age and who was diagnosed with clinically definitive tuberous sclerosis. Poor prognostic signs included multiple seizure types, seizure onset before 1 year of age, and multifocal electroencephalographic abnormalities. However, on repeated brain magnetic resonance imaging scans, the known radiological findings associated with tuberous sclerosis complex were absent, raising a diagnostic dilemma. Therefore, genetic analysis was performed. A mutation was detected in the TSC2 gene, confirming the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of tuberless tuberous sclerosis complex associated with intractable epilepsy and developmental delay.
Predictors of Differences in Subjective Well-Being Across 97 Nations
Authors: Minkov Michael
Published: March 2009

This study analyzes national differences in various facets of subjective well-being as measured by the World Values Survey, including the most recent wave (2005-2007), across a sample of 97 nations. The main predictor of the cognitive facet (life satisfaction) is a perception of life control, followed by wealth. The hedonic facet (happiness) is explained by a syndrome of correlated variables: perceived life control, high importance of leisure, and low importance of thrift. It is proposed that this syndrome is stronger in societies that do not have a powerful cultural legacy of highly intensive agriculture. The negative pole of the hedonic facet (unhappiness) seems to be related mostly to poverty and a perception of low life control (helplessness), plus various situational factors.
A Motivational Intervention Can Improve Retention in PCIT for Low-Motivation Child Welfare Clients
Authors: Chaffin Mark , Valle Linda Anne , Funderburk Beverly , Gurwitch Robin , Silovsky Jane , Bard David , McCoy Carol , Kees Michelle
Published: March 2009

A motivational orientation intervention designed to improve parenting program retention was field tested versus standard orientation across two parenting programs, Parent—Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and a standard didactic parent training group. Both interventions were implemented within a frontline child welfare parenting center by center staff. Participants had an average of six prior child welfare referrals, primarily for neglect. A double-randomized design was used to test main and interaction effects. The motivational intervention improved retention only when combined with PCIT (cumulative survival = 85% vs. around 61% for the three other design cells). Benefits were robust across demographic characteristics and participation barriers but were concentrated among participants whose initial level of motivation was low to moderate. There were negative effects for participants with relatively high initial motivation. The findings suggest that using a motivational intervention combined with PCIT can improve retention when used selectively with relatively low to moderately motivated child welfare clients.
Does Out-of-Home Placement Mediate the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Adult Criminality?
Authors: DeGue Sarah , Spatz Widom Cathy
Published: March 2009

Existing research on child welfare interventions as mediators of the criminal consequences of child maltreatment has focused on juvenile delinquency rather than adult criminality. This study uses a prospective sample of 772 maltreated youth to examine out-of-home placement as a mediator of adult criminality. Arrest data were collected from official records when the full sample was a mean age of 31.8, having ample opportunity for involvement with the criminal justice system. Overall, out-of-home placement showed a neutral or slightly positive effect on adult criminality compared to no placement, consistent with earlier findings. However, prior delinquency and placement instability were significant risk factors for adult criminality. Gender, not race, was identified as a significant moderator of the relationship between placement and adult criminality, with different patterns of response to placement for males and females. Thus, whether placement experiences influence adult criminal consequences of child maltreatment might depend on prior delinquency, placement stability, and gender.
Fathers' Rights Groups
Authors: Rosen Leora N. , Dragiewicz Molly , Gibbs Jennifer C.
Published: March 2009

This article combines information from fathers' rights Web sites with demographic, historical, and other information to provide an empirically based analysis of fathers' rights advocacy in the United States. Content analysis discerns three factors that are central to the groups' rhetoric: representing domestic violence allegations as false, promoting presumptive joint custody and decreasing child support, and portraying women as perpetrators of domestic abuse. Fathers' rights organizations and themes are examined in relation to state-level demographics and custody policy. The implications of fathers' rights activism for battered women and their children are explored.
Improving the Quality of Life of African Americans Receiving Palliative Care
Authors: Motyka Carrie L. , Nies Mary A. , Walker Deborah , Myers Schim Stephanie
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of personal characteristics on quality of life (QOL) among African Americans receiving palliative care. Although an important goal of palliative care is to improve the client’s QOL, no studies were found examining the QOL of African Americans receiving palliative care. The study sample included African Americans receiving palliative care in inpatient settings or through enrollment in a hospice program. Data were collected using a structured interview guided by five questionnaires to measure QOL, physical performance, spirituality, social support, and family support/satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson r correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. The total sample ( N = 16) was predominately single, female, and 50 to 59 years old. There was a significant relationship between QOL and religious and spiritual coping and between QOL and social support. Participant recruitment was a significant issue in this study.
A Geographic Approach to Racial Profiling
Authors: Roh Sunghoon , Robinson Matthew
Published: March 2009

Despite numerous studies explaining racial disparity in traffic stops, the effects of spatial characteristics in patrolling areas have not been widely examined. In this article, the authors analyzed traffic stop data at both micro- and macrolevels. The microlevel analysis of individual stops confirmed racial disparity in the frequency of traffic stops as well as in subsequent police treatments. Blacks were overrepresented and other racial and ethnic groups were underrepresented in traffic stops, with a greater disparity in investigatory stops. The macrolevel analysis found that the likelihood of being stopped and being subjected to unfavorable police treatment (e.g. arrest, search, and felony charge) was greater in beats where more Blacks or Hispanics resided and/or more police force was deployed, consistent with the racial threat or minority threat hypothesis. These findings imply that racial disparity at the level of individual stops may be substantially explained by differential policing strategies adopted for different areas based on who resides in those areas. Policy implications for problem-oriented policing and hot spot policing are discussed.
The Value of Nurse Leaders on Federal Advisory Panels
Authors: Najar Barbara Elisse , Hubbard Heddy
Published: March 2009

This article focuses on interviews with six nationally known nurse leaders who have been, or currently are, members of National Advisory Committee for the Healthcare Research and Quality (NAC). The nurse leaders are either deans and/or professors of schools of nursing. They discuss how their participation on the NAC serves the Federal Government and what they view as the benefits they now offer the nursing profession from being on the NAC such as an increased focus on evidence-based research. These nurse leaders also discuss what they bring to the table in terms of helping to influence public policy vis a vis health care quality, safety, and scientific evidence and their bearing on health care systems and services. They also talk about the myriad Federal opportunities that exist beyond this influential panel for nurse leaders to help continue shaping the future of health care.
The Impact of Global Inequities on Health Professional Migration
Authors: Roberts Janet Hatcher
Published: March 2009

Health determinants and how they are distributed have an important impact on health systems around the world. Nurses can play a significant role in mediating the effects of many of these determinants both inside the health care system and outside. Yet the areas that have the greatest health inequities and heaviest disease burdens have the fewest health workers. A number of efforts are underway to understand and manage health care worker migration. Intersectoral collaboration is key, as are other factors necessary to build strong health systems, including research for development, capacity-building, integrated health systems, evidence-based decision-making, a strong and vibrant civil society and accountability and transparency in the public and private sectors.
Addressing Global Health and Health Financing Disparities
Authors: Vujicic Marko
Published: March 2009

This article is based on a presentation to a symposium on Building Global Alliances in a World of Healthcare Inequities, sponsored by CGFNS International and held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in December 2007. The presentation focuses on four areas related to the symposium's theme of “Global Health Challenges in a World Divided by Health Inequities: Global Health Disparities, Health Financing Disparities, Donor Assistance for Health, and Human Resources.”
Introduction
Authors: Nichols Barbara L.
Published: March 2009

The five papers following this introduction are based on presentations delivered at Building Global Alliances IV, Global Health Challenges in a World Divided by Health Inequities , sponsored by CGFNS International on December 3-4, 2007, in Philadelphia. Building Global Alliances IV provided opportunities to generate greater understanding of the local, national, and global ramifications of health inequities; the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); the effect of migration on the distribution of health professionals (particularly the issues posted by international nurse migration); and the impact of these issues on health care delivery systems.
Reaction synthesis of (Ti,V)C carbide reinforced Fe based surface composite coating by laser cladding
Authors: Wang X. H. , Cheng L. , Zhang M. , Qu S. Y. , Du B. S. , Zou Z. D.
Published: March 2009

A multiple carbide particle reinforced Fe based surface composite coating has been in situ synthesised by laser cladding. The microstructure of the coating was analysed by using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalyser and X-ray diffractometry. The results showed that TiC+ δ-(Ti,V)C or VC+ δ-(Ti,V)C multiple carbides with cubic or flower-like form were synthesised via in situ reaction in the molten pool during laser cladding process. The multiple carbides were homogeneously distributed in the matrix. With increasing the amount of ferrovanadium, the type of carbides changed from the TiC+ δ-(Ti,V)C multiple carbides to VC+ δ-(Ti,V)C. The microhardness of the composite coating reinforced by multiple carbides was higher than TiC on its own would.
Do bentonites have contradictory characteristics? An attempt to answer unanswered questions
Authors: Christidis G. E.
Published: March 2009

The formation of bentonites via alteration of volcanic glassy rocks is associated with apparently contradictory mineralogical, geological and geochemical characteristics, which remain poorly understood. This contribution attempts to answer some of the questions based on the work carried out in our laboratory over the past 15 y. The first question concerns the formation of opal-CT-free bentonites from acidic precursors. It is suggested that the formation of opal-CT-free bentonites is closely related to the mechanism of eruption and emplacement of parent volcanic rocks if the temperature of the parent glass after emplacement is high and/or the establishment of hydraulic gradients coupled with high permeability after deposition of volcanic glass (i.e. diagenetic alteration) if the temperature of the parent glass is low. The second question pertains to the behaviour of Fe during bentonite formation. Based on mineralogical and geological characteristics of different bentonite deposits, it is suggested that Fe is present mainly as Fe2+ and hence may be mobilized during alteration. Oxidation of Fe may take place when bentonites are exposed to more oxidizing conditions close to the surface. Assignment of Fe as Fe2+ increases the layer charge of smectites and decreases significantly the range of layer charge. Thus the smectites may have considerably different properties when formed compared with their counterparts on the surface. The third question considers the possible influence of parent-rock chemistry on the crystal chemistry of smectites. It is proposed that the parent rock may affect the chemistry of the neoformed smectites to some degree; therefore the smectite chemistry may provide indications about the geochemical affinities of the parent rock.
X-ray diffraction and infrared characterization of Oxisols from central and southeastern Brazil
Authors: Nitzsche R. P. , Percival J. B. , Torrance J. K. , Stirling J. A. R. , Bowen J. T.
Published: March 2009

Eleven Oxisols with high clay contents, 2.6–59.7 wt.% Fe2O3, and containing hematite, goethite, magnetite and maghemite, from São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil, were studied for the purpose of microwave remote sensing applications in the 0.3 to 300 GHz range. Of special interest are: the pseudosand effect caused by Fe-oxide cementation of clusters of soil particles; the mineralogy; and whether the soil magnetic susceptibility affected by ferromagnetic magnetite and maghemite interferes with microwave propagation. Quantitative mineralogical analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement. Visible, near infrared and short wave infrared spectroscopic analyses were used to characterize the samples qualitatively for comparison with published spectral radiometry results. Quartz (3–88%), hematite (2–36%) and gibbsite (1–40%) occurred in all soils, whereas kaolinite (2–70%) and anatase (2–13%) occurred in nine samples. Ilmenite (1–8%) was found in eight soils and goethite (2–39%) in seven. Of the ferromagnetic minerals, maghemite occurred in seven soils (1–13%) and three contained magnetite (<2%). These results will be applied to the interpretation of the effect of Fe oxides, particularly the ferromagnetic oxides, on microwave interaction with high-Fe soils, with ultimate application to the monitoring of soil water content by microwave remote sensing.
Clay minerals from Permo-Carboniferous very low-grade metamorphic rocks from the central part of the Fore Sudetic Monocline (western Poland)
Authors: Sokalska E. T. , Dubińska E. , Kaproń G. , Kozubowski J. A. , Walski M.
Published: March 2009

The mafic rocks from boreholes studied here contain the assemblage typical for upper-subgreenschist to lower-greenschist facies (albite, chlorite, illite, titanite, quartz, Ti-oxide ± actinolite) as well as relict clinopyroxene.Metapelites underlying a metabasic rock sequence also record metamorphic alteration as demonstrated by the chlorite and illite crystallinities. Chlorite crystallinity suggests formation in conditions close to the subgreenschist/greenschist facies boundary, but this mineral is partly decomposed during metamorphic retrogression.
Geochemical characteristics of the alteration of volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks in the Feres Basin, Thrace, NE Greece
Authors: Marantos I. , Markopoulos Th. , Christidis G. E. , Perdikatsis V.
Published: March 2009

The Tertiary basin of Feres consists of sedimentary rocks, andesitic-rhyolitic volcanic rocks of K-rich calc-alkaline affinities, rocks with calc-alkaline and shoshonitic affinities and volcaniclastic fall and flow deposits. Volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks have variable concentrations of LIL elements (Ba, Sr, Rb, Th) and HFS elements (Zr, V) due to their mode of origin. The pyroclastic flows frequently show more or less intense devitrification, vapour-phase crystallization and, in some cases, evidence of fumarolic activity, as is indicated by the presence of scapolite. The volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks display various types of alteration including formation of zeolites (clinoptilolite, heulandite, mordenite, and laumontite) and smectite, as well as hydrothermal alteration (development of silicic, argillic, sericitic and propylitic zones) associated with polymetallic mineralization. The behaviour of chemical elements during alteration varies. Some are immobile and their distribution is controlled by the conditions prevailing during parent-rock formation and emplacement, but others, such as Ba and Sr, are mobile and selectively fractionate in zeolite extra-framework sites. The formation of zeolite from alteration of volcanic glass is accompanied by an increase in Mg and Al content, and a decrease in Si and Na content, whereas Ca is not affected by alteration. In certain pyroclastic flows, there is a significant difference in K-content between incipient glass and altered rock, due to K-feldspar formation during devitrification and vapour-phase crystallization.
Palaeoenvironmental significance of clay minerals in Upper Cenomanian–Turonian sediments of the Western High Atlas Basin (Morocco)
Authors: Daoudi L. , Rocha F. , Ouajhain B. , Dinis J. L. , Chafiki D. , Callapez P.
Published: March 2009

Upper Cenomanian–Turonian clay mineral assemblages of sediments cropping out in the Western High Atlas basin are studied in four sections. Smectite and mixed-layer illite-smectite (I-S) have been identified as major constituents of the deposits. The composition of clay associations in black shales and associated sediments varies considerably according to age, but usually depends either on the general lithology, the abundance of organic matter, or the depth of burial. A distinct correlation is evident between clay mineral distribution and sea-level. Smectite and mixed-layer I-S with greater percentages of smectite layers increase in sediments deposited during transgressive periods, whereas they decrease progressively in the shallower facies deposited during regression in favour of illite and mixed-layer I-S with a greater percentage of illite. The vertical evolution and lateral distribution of clay assemblages and their relationships with sea-level as well as the palaeogeographic conditions prevailing during the Late Cenomanian–Turonian period (flattened topography and arid climate), indicate a detrital origin of the smectite minerals and a distribution pattern controlled by differential settling processes.
Acute graft-versus-host disease transiently impairs thymic output in young patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Clave Emmanuel , Busson Marc , Douay Corinne , Peffault de Latour Régis , Berrou Jeannig , Rabian Claire , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Rocha Vanderson , Charron Dominique , Socié Gérard , Toubert Antoine
Published: March 2009

Long-term T-cell reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is dependent on patient thymic function and affected by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). To assess the impact of acute GVHD (aGVHD) on thymic function, we followed a cohort of 93 patients who received HSCT from a human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-identical sibling, mainly for hematologic malignancies. Thymic output was measured by signal-joint T-cell receptor excision circles (sjTREC) real-time polymerase chain reaction. Absolute sjTREC number was lower at 6 months in patients with aGVHD (P = .014), associated with lower absolute counts of naive CD4 T cells at 6 and 12 months (P = .04 and .02), and persistent abnormalities in T-cell repertoire diversity. Age and aGVHD affected thymic function independently in multivariate analysis. In patients less than 25 years of age, thymic function recovered almost totally at 1 year. As a marker of thymocyte proliferation, we quantified the βTREC generated during the T-cell receptor β-chain recombination, in a group of 20 age-matched patients. Mean βTREC level was reduced at 6 months in patients with aGVHD, indicating an impact on early thymic differentiation rather than on intrathymic proliferation. These data show that aGVHD or its treatment has a transient impact on thymic function in younger patients in the first months after HSCT.
RGG: A general GUI Framework for R scripts
Authors: Visne Ilhami , Dilaveroglu Erkan , Vierlinger Klemens , Lauss Martin , Yildiz Ahmet , Weinhaeusel Andreas , Noehammer Christa , Leisch Friedrich , Kriegner Albert
Published: March 2009

Background

R is the leading open source statistics software with a vast number of biostatistical and bioinformatical analysis packages. To exploit the advantages of R, extensive scripting/programming skills are required.

Results

We have developed a software tool called R GUI Generator (RGG) which enables the easy generation of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) for the programming language R by adding a few Extensible Markup Language (XML) – tags. RGG consists of an XML-based GUI definition language and a Java-based GUI engine. GUIs are generated in runtime from defined GUI tags that are embedded into the R script. User-GUI input is returned to the R code and replaces the XML-tags. RGG files can be developed using any text editor. The current version of RGG is available as a stand-alone software (RGGRunner) and as a plug-in for JGR.

Conclusion

RGG is a general GUI framework for R that has the potential to introduce R statistics (R packages, built-in functions and scripts) to users with limited programming skills and helps to bridge the gap between R developers and GUI-dependent users. RGG aims to abstract the GUI development from individual GUI toolkits by using an XML-based GUI definition language. Thus RGG can be easily integrated in any software. The RGG project further includes the development of a web-based repository for RGG-GUIs. RGG is an open source project licensed under the Lesser General Public License (LGPL) and can be downloaded freely at http://rgg.r-forge.r-project.org
Detection of SHV β-lactamases in Gram-negative bacilli using fluorescein-labeled antibodies
Authors: Hujer Andrea M , Keslar Karen S , Dietenberger Nicole J , Bethel Christopher R , Endimiani Andrea , Bonomo Robert A
Published: March 2009

Background

β-lactam resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is a significant clinical problem in the community, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. In these organisms, β-lactam resistance most commonly results from the production of β-lactamases. In Gram-negative bacilli, TEM-, SHV-, and CTX-M-type β-lactamases predominate. Therefore, new and accurate detection methods for these β-lactamase producing isolates are needed.

Results

E. coli DH10B cells producing SHV-1 β-lactamase and a clinical isolate of K. pneumoniae producing SHV-5 β-lactamase were rendered membrane permeable, fixed and adhered to poly-L-lysine coated slides, and stained with purified polyclonal anti-SHV antibodies that were fluorescein labeled. E. coli DH10B cells without a bla
SHV gene were used as a negative control. The procedure generated a fluorescence signal from those slides containing cells expressing SHV β-lactamase that was sufficient for direct imaging.

Conclusion

We developed a rapid and accurate method of visualizing the SHV family of enzymes in clinical samples containing Gram-negative bacilli using a fluorescein-labeled polyclonal antibody.
Neural differentiation potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: misleading marker gene expression
Authors: Montzka Katrin , Lassonczyk Nina , Tschöke Beate , Neuss Sabine , Führmann Tobias , Franzen Rachelle , Smeets Ralf , Brook Gary A , Wöltje Michael
Published: March 2009

Background

In contrast to pluripotent embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells have been considered to be multipotent, being somewhat more restricted in their differentiation capacity and only giving rise to cell types related to their tissue of origin. Several studies, however, have reported that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are capable of transdifferentiating to neural cell types, effectively crossing normal lineage restriction boundaries. Such reports have been based on the detection of neural-related proteins by the differentiated MSCs. In order to assess the potential of human adult MSCs to undergo true differentiation to a neural lineage and to determine the degree of homogeneity between donor samples, we have used RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry to investigate the basal expression of a range of neural related mRNAs and proteins in populations of non-differentiated MSCs obtained from 4 donors.

Results

The expression analysis revealed that several of the commonly used marker genes from other studies like nestin, Enolase2 and microtubule associated protein 1b (MAP1b) are already expressed by undifferentiated human MSCs. Furthermore, mRNA for some of the neural-related transcription factors, e.g. Engrailed-1 and Nurr1 were also strongly expressed. However, several other neural-related mRNAs (e.g. DRD2, enolase2, NFL and MBP) could be identified, but not in all donor samples. Similarly, synaptic vesicle-related mRNA, STX1A could only be detected in 2 of the 4 undifferentiated donor hMSC samples. More significantly, each donor sample revealed a unique expression pattern, demonstrating a significant variation of marker expression.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the existence of an inter-donor variability of expression of neural-related markers in human MSC samples that has not previously been described. This donor-related heterogeneity might influence the reproducibility of transdifferentiation protocols as well as contributing to the ongoing controversy about differentiation capacities of MSCs. Therefore, further studies need to consider the differences between donor samples prior to any treatment as well as the possibility of harvesting donor cells that may be inappropriate for transplantation strategies.
ACE inhibition attenuates uremia-induced aortic valve thickening in a novel mouse model
Authors: Simolin Mikko A , Pedersen Tanja X , Bro Susanne , Mäyränpää Mikko I , Helske Satu , Nielsen Lars B , Kovanen Petri T
Published: March 2009

Background

We examined whether impaired renal function causes thickening of the aortic valve leaflets in hyperlipidemic apoE-knockout (apoE-/-) mice, and whether the putative effect on the aortic valves could be prevented by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with enalapril.

Methods

Thickening of the aortic valve leaflets in apoE-/- mice was induced by producing mild or moderate chronic renal failure resulting from unilateral nephrectomy (1/2 NX, n = 18) or subtotal nephrectomy (5/6 NX, n = 22), respectively. Additionally, the 5/6 NX mice were randomized to no treatment (n = 8) or enalapril treatment (n = 13). The maximal thickness of each leaflet was measured from histological sections of the aortic roots.

Results

Leaflet thickness was significantly greater in the 5/6 NX mice than in the 1/2 NX mice (P = 0.030) or the unoperated mice (P = 0.003). The 5/6 NX mice treated with enalapril had significantly thinner leaflets than did the untreated 5/6 NX mice (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Moderate uremia causes thickening of the aortic valves in apoE-/- mice, which can be attenuated by ACE inhibition. The nephrectomized apoE-/- mouse constitutes a new model for investigating the mechanisms of uremia-induced aortic valve disease, and also provides an opportunity to study its pharmacologic prevention.
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor: association analyses for obesity of several polymorphisms in large study groups
Authors: Vogel Carla IG , Scherag André , Brönner Günter , Nguyen Thuy T , Wang Hai-Jun , Grallert Harald , Bornhorst Alexa , Rosskopf Dieter , Völzke Henry , Reinehr Thomas , Rief Winfried , Illig Thomas , Wichmann H-Erich , Schäfer Helmut , Hebebrand Johannes , Hinney Anke
Published: March 2009

Background

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is postulated to be involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. It exerts its function through its receptor, GIPR. We genotyped three GIPR SNPs (rs8111428, rs2302382 and rs1800437) in German families with at least one obese index patient, two case-control studies and two cross-sectional population-based studies.

Methods

Genotyping was performed by MALDI-TOF, ARMS-PCR and RFLP. The family-study: 761 German families with at least one extremely obese child or adolescent (n = 1,041) and both parents (n = 1,522). Case-control study: (a) German obese children (n = 333) and (b) obese adults (n = 987) in comparison to 588 adult lean controls. The two cross-sectional population-based studies: KORA (n = 8,269) and SHIP (n = 4,310).

Results

We detected over-transmission of the A-allele of rs2302382 in the German families (pTDT-Test = 0.0089). In the combined case-control sample, we estimated an odd ratio of 1.54 (95%CI 1.09;2.19, pCA-Test = 0.014) for homozygotes of the rs2302382 A-allele compared to individuals with no A-allele. A similar trend was found in KORA where the rs2302382 A-allele led to an increase of 0.12 BMI units (p = 0.136). In SHIP, however, the A-allele of rs2302382 was estimated to contribute an average decrease of 0.27 BMI units (p-value = 0.031).

Conclusion

Our data suggest a potential relevance of GIPR variants for obesity. However, additional studies are warranted in light of the conflicting results obtained in one of the two population-based studies.
Haplotype frequencies in a sub-region of chromosome 19q13.3, related to risk and prognosis of cancer, differ dramatically between ethnic groups
Authors: Schierup Mikkel H , Mailund Thomas , Li Heng , Wang Jun , Tjønneland Anne , Vogel Ulla , Bolund Lars , Nexø Bjørn A
Published: March 2009

Background

A small region of about 70 kb on human chromosome 19q13.3 encompasses 4 genes of which 3, ERCC1, ERCC2, and PPP1R13L (aka RAI) are related to DNA repair and cell survival, and one, CD3EAP, aka ASE1, may be related to cell proliferation. The whole region seems related to the cellular response to external damaging agents and markers in it are associated with risk of several cancers.

Methods

We downloaded the genotypes of all markers typed in the 19q13.3 region in the HapMap populations of European, Asian and African descent and inferred haplotypes. We combined the European HapMap individuals with a Danish breast cancer case-control data set and inferred the association between HapMap haplotypes and disease risk.

Results

We found that the susceptibility haplotype in our European sample had increased from 2 to 50 percent very recently in the European population, and to almost the same extent in the Asian population. The cause of this increase is unknown. The maximal proportion of overall genetic variation due to differences between groups for Europeans versus Africans and Europeans versus Asians (the Fst value) closely matched the putative location of the susceptibility variant as judged from haplotype-based association mapping.

Conclusion

The combined observation that a common haplotype causing an increased risk of cancer in Europeans and a high differentiation between human populations is highly unusual and suggests a causal relationship with a recent increase in Europeans caused either by genetic drift overruling selection against the susceptibility variant or a positive selection for the same haplotype. The data does not allow us to distinguish between these two scenarios. The analysis suggests that the region is not involved in cancer risk in Africans and that the susceptibility variants may be more finely mapped in Asian populations.
Functional characterization of E- and P-cadherin in invasive breast cancer cells
Authors: Sarrió David , Palacios José , Hergueta-Redondo Marta , Gómez-López Gonzalo , Cano Amparo , Moreno-Bueno Gema
Published: March 2009

Background

Alterations in the cadherin-catenin adhesion complexes are involved in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. However, the functional implication of distinct cadherin types in breast cancer biology is still poorly understood.

Methods

To compare the functional role of E-cadherin and P-cadherin in invasive breast cancer, we stably transfected these molecules into the MDA-MB-231 cell line, and investigated their effects on motility, invasion and gene expression regulation.

Results

Expression of either E- and P-cadherin significantly increased cell aggregation and induced a switch from fibroblastic to epithelial morphology. Although expression of these cadherins did not completely reverse the mesenchymal phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells, both E- and P-cadherin decreased fibroblast-like migration and invasion through extracellular matrix in a similar way. Moreover, microarray gene expression analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells after expression of E- and P-cadherins revealed that these molecules can activate signaling pathways leading to significant changes in gene expression. Although the expression patterns induced by E- and P-cadherin showed more similarities than differences, 40 genes were differentially modified by the expression of either cadherin type.

Conclusion

E- and P-cadherin have similar functional consequences on the phenotype and invasive behavior of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that these cadherins can induce both common and specific gene expression programs on invasive breast cancer cells. Importantly, these identified genes are potential targets for future studies on the functional consequences of altered cadherin expression in human breast cancer.