bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of the Shoulder in Youth Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Sabick Michelle B. , Kim Young-Kyu , Torry Michael R. , Keirns Michael A. , Hawkins Richard J.
Published: August 2005

Background

The effects of repetitive throwing on the shoulders of developing athletes are not well understood because of the paucity of data describing the biomechanics of youth pitchers and the plasticity of the developing skeleton.

Hypothesis

The direction and magnitude of the stresses that exist at the proximal humeral physis during the fastball pitching motion are consistent with the development of proximal humeral epiphysiolysis (Little League shoulder) and/or humeral retrotorsion.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

A total of 14 elite youth baseball pitchers (mean age, 12.1 ± 0.4 years) were filmed from the front and dominant side while throwing fastballs in a simulated game. The net force and torque acting on the humerus throughout the throwing motion were calculated using standard biomechanical techniques.

Results

The external rotation torque about the long axis of the humerus reached a peak value of 17.7 ± 3.5 N.m (2.7% ± 0.3% body weight × height) just before maximum shoulder external rotation. A shoulder distraction force of 214.7 ± 47.2 N (49.8% ± 8.3% body weight) occurred at, or just after, ball release.

Conclusion

Shear stress arising from the high torque late in the arm-cocking phase is large enough to lead to deformation of the weak proximal humeral epiphyseal cartilage, causing either humeral retrotorsion or proximal humeral epiphysiolysis over time. The stresses generated by the external rotation torque are much greater than those caused by distraction forces generated during the pitching motion of youth baseball pitchers.

Clinical Relevance

The motion of throwing fastballs by youth baseball pitchers results in force components consistent with proposed mechanisms for 2 clinical entities.
Lumbar Spondylolysis in Pediatric and Adolescent Soccer Players
Authors: El Rassi Georges , Takemitsu Masakazu , Woratanarat Patarawan , Shah Suken A.
Published: August 2005

Background

Lumbar spondylolysis in young soccer players has not been studied extensively.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review lumbar spondylolysis in young soccer players, describe the causes, and report the results of nonoperative treatment emphasizing the cessation of activity for 3 months.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The authors reviewed 57 child and adolescent soccer players (35 boys and 22 girls) with lumbar spondylolysis who came to their outpatient clinic for back pain evaluation. These patients received different modalities of nonoperative treatment, including cessation of sports and wearing a thoracolumbosacral orthosis. Soccer skills, field position, side of dominant leg, age, initiating event of low back pain, duration of symptoms, and nonoperative treatment were reviewed. Clinical outcome of treatment was assessed by the Steiner-Micheli criteria at the most recent follow-up (minimum 2 years). The Fisher exact test was used to compare all the data.

Results

Of the patients, 43% noticed that pain started after a high-velocity kick. Thirty-three (58%) of 57 patients had excellent results with no pain during sports, 20 (35%) good, 3 (5%) fair, and 1 (2%) poor. Subjects who ceased playing soccer for 3 months had better results than those who did not comply with this restriction.

Conclusion

The authors recommend stopping sports for at least 3 months in cases of lumbar spondylolysis in young soccer players who hope to return to their previous level of play without back pain.
Arthroscopic Transtendon Repair of Partial-Thickness Articular-Side Tears of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Ide Junji , Maeda Satoshi , Takagi Katsumasa
Published: August 2005

Background

The precise results of arthroscopic transtendon repair of partial-thickness articular-side tears of the rotator cuff remain to be reported.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic transtendon repair is useful in patients with Ellman grade 3 (>6 mm) partial-thickness articular-side tears of the supraspinatus tendon.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study and case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

In 43 cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 80 years; range, 50-97 years), the authors measured the width of the supraspinatus insertion (medial-to-lateral direction) and the distance between the articular cartilage edge and the tendon insertion at a site 10 mm lateral to the anterior margin of the greater tuberosity. A clinical study group of 17 patients (mean age, 42 years; range, 17-51 years) was observed for a mean follow-up of 39 months (range, 25-57 months). University of California at Los Angeles and Japanese Orthopaedic Association shoulder scores and postoperative overhead athletic activities were evaluated.

Results

The mean width of the supraspinatus insertion was 9.6 mm (SD, 1.6 mm; range, 7-13 mm; 95% confidence interval, 9.1-10.1 mm; 95% prediction interval, 6.4-12.8 mm). The mean distance between the articular cartilage edge and the tendon insertion was 0.3 mm (range, 0-2 mm). After the procedure, the mean University of California at Los Angeles and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores significantly improved from 17.3 and 68.4 points to 32.9 and 94.8 points, respectively (P <. 01). Rated on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, results were excellent in 14, good in 2, and fair in 1 patient; there were no poor results. Of 6 overhead-throwing athletes, 2 returned to their previous sports at the same level, 3 returned at a lower level, and 1 was unable to return.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic transtendon repair is a safe, reliable procedure in patients with grade 3 partial-thickness articular-side tears. In the majority of patients, partial tears of more than 6 mm of the supraspinatus tendon thickness involved more than 50% of the entire tendon thickness.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Provencher Matthew T. , Bell S. Josh , Menzel Kyle A. , Mologne Timothy S.
Published: August 2005

Background

Posterior shoulder instability is a relatively rare condition and a surgical challenge. Arthroscopic techniques have allowed for a potential improvement as well as diagnosis and management of this condition.

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization and to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative variables as predictors of success.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Thirty-three consecutive patients with a mean age of 25 years (range, 19-34 years) who underwent posterior arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with suture anchors (mean, 3 anchors) or suture capsulolabral plication (mean, 5.3 stitches) or both were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 39.1 months (range, 22-60 months). Shoulder outcomes rating scores were determined using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, the Subjective Patient Shoulder Evaluation, and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation.

Results

There were 7 failures: 4 for recurrent instability and 3 for symptoms of pain. Overall, outcomes scores demonstrated mean values of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale of 94.6, Subjective Patient Shoulder Evaluation of 20.0, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index of 389.4 (81.5% of normal), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation of 87.5. Patients with voluntary instability demonstrated worse outcomes (P=. 025), and those with prior surgery of the shoulder also did worse (P=. 02).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability is an effective means to improve symptoms associated with recurrent posterior subluxation of the shoulder. It can provide predictable success in the setting of unidirectional, nonvoluntary posterior instability without prior surgery.
Specific IgE response to purified and recombinant allergens in latex allergy
Authors: Kurup Viswanath P , Sussman Gordon L , Yeang Hoong Y , Elms Nancy , Breiteneder Heimo , Arif Siti AM , Kelly Kevin J , Bansal Naveen K , Fink Jordan N
Published: August 2005

Background

In recent years, allergy to natural rubber latex has emerged as a major allergy among certain occupational groups and patients with underlying diseases. The sensitization and development of latex allergy has been attributed to exposure to products containing residual latex proteins. Although improved manufacturing procedures resulted in a considerable reduction of new cases, the potential risk for some patient groups is still great. In addition the prevalent cross-reactivity of latex proteins with other food allergens poses a major concern. A number of purified allergens and a few commercial kits are currently available, but no concerted effort was undertaken to evaluate them.

Methods

We studied 11 purified latex allergens, Hev b 1 to Hev b 10, and Hev b 13 along with several crude allergen extracts and two commercial ImmunoCAP assays to evaluate specific IgE antibody in the sera from latex allergic patients and controls. Health care workers and spina bifida patients with clinical symptoms of latex allergy, spina bifida patients without latex allergy, and non-atopic health care workers have been studied.

Results

The results suggest that Hev b 2, 5, 6, and 13 together identified over 80 percent health care workers with latex allergy, while Hev b 6 along with Hev b 1 or 3 detected specific IgE antibody in all sera studied from patients with spina bifida and latex allergy. The ImmunoCAP results using both Hev b 5 amplified and non-amplified closely agreed with the clinical diagnosis of latex allergy in health care workers and in spina bifida.

Conclusion

Although the purified allergens and crude extracts reacted diversely with IgE from different patient groups, the results indicated that use of certain combinations of purified recombinant antigens will be useful in commercial kits or in in-house assays for detecting specific IgE antibody in the sera. The results suggest that a combination of Hev b 2, 3, 5, 6, and 13 together detected specific IgE in 80% of the sera from latex allergic patients. Both ImmunoCAPs correctly identified over 95% of latex allergic patients, however, showed reactivity with a few normal control subjects
mRNA expression and localization of bNOS, eNOS and iNOS in human cervix at preterm and term labour
Authors: Törnblom Susanne Abelin , Maul Holger , Klimaviciute Aurelija , Garfield Robert E , Byström Birgitta , Malmström Anders , Ekman-Ordeberg Gunvor
Published: August 2005

Background

Preterm birth is the primary cause of the neonatal mortality and morbidity. There will be no preterm birth without a cervical softening. Nitric oxide (NO) is shown to be a mediator of term cervical ripening. The aim of this study was to investigate mRNA expression of the three isomers of NO synthases (NOS) and to identify them by immunohistochemistry in the human cervix at preterm birth compared to term.

Methods

The three isomers of NOS- inducible (iNOS), endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (bNOS) – were investigated in the human cervix. The expression of mRNA was determined using Real-Time Multiplex RT-PCR. The localisation of synthases in the cervical tissue was analysed using immunohistochemistry. Cervical biopsies were obtained from 4 groups of women without clinical signs of infection: preterm (PTL), term labour (TL), preterm not in labour (PTnotL) and term not in labour (TnotL) patients. One-Way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Student t-test or Mann-Whitney test were applied as appropriate to determine statistically significant differences among the groups.

Results

Patients in preterm labour had significantly (p < 0.01) higher mRNA levels of all the three NOS isomers compared to those in term labour. Women not in labour, irrespective of gestational age, thus with unripe cervices, had significantly lower eNOS mRNA levels compared to those in labour (p < 0.01). Immunoreactivity for all three NO synthases was observed in each examined sample in all groups. The bNOS staining was the most prominent.

Conclusion

The mRNA levels were higher in the preterm labour group compared to the women at term labour. The significant increase of the eNOS mRNA expression, from the unripe to the favourable cervical state during labour, may indicate a role of eNOS and supports the role of NO in the cervical ripening process. All the three synthases were identified by immunohistochemistry in all the groups of study.
Wastage in the health workforce: some perspectives from African countries
Authors: Dovlo Delanyo
Published: August 2005

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a human resources crisis in the health sector. Over the past two decades its population has increased substantially, with a significant rise in the disease burden due to HIV/AIDS and recurrent communicable diseases and an increased incidence of noncommunicable diseases. This increased demand for health services is met with a rather low supply of health workers, but this notwithstanding, sub-Saharan African countries also experience significant wastage of their human resources stock.

Methods

This paper is a desk review to illustrate suggestions that the way human resources for health (HRH) are trained and deployed in Africa does not enhance productivity and that countries are unable to realize the full potential expected from the working life of their health workers. The paper suggests data types for use in measuring various forms of "wastage".

Results

"Direct" wastage – or avoidable increases in loss of staff through factors such as emigration and death – is on the rise, perhaps as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. "Indirect" wastage – which is the result of losses in output and productivity from health professionals' misapplied skills, absenteeism, poor support and lack of supervision – is also common.

HIV/AIDS represents a special cause of wastage in Africa. Deaths of health workers, fear of infection, burnout, absenteeism, heavy workloads and stress affect productivity.

Conclusion

The paper reviews strategies that have been proposed and/or implemented. It suggests areas needing further attention, including: developing and using indicators for monitoring and managing wastage; enhancing motivation and morale of health workers; protecting and valuing the health worker with enhanced occupational safety and welfare systems; and establishing the moral leadership to effectively tackle HIV/AIDS and the brain drain.
The potential impact of the next influenza pandemic on a national primary care medical workforce
Authors: Wilson Nick , Baker Michael , Crampton Peter , Mansoor Osman
Published: August 2005

Background

Another influenza pandemic is all but inevitable. We estimated its potential impact on the primary care medical workforce in New Zealand, so that planning could mitigate the disruption from the pandemic and similar challenges.

Methods

The model in the "FluAid" software (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, Atlanta) was applied to the New Zealand primary care medical workforce (i.e., general practitioners).

Results

At its peak (week 4) the pandemic would lead to 1.2% to 2.7% loss of medical work time, using conservative baseline assumptions. Most workdays (88%) would be lost due to illness, followed by hospitalisation (8%), and then premature death (4%).

Inputs for a "more severe" scenario included greater health effects and time spent caring for sick relatives. For this scenario, 9% of medical workdays would be lost in the peak week, and 3% over a more compressed six-week period of the first pandemic wave. As with the base case, most (64%) of lost workdays would be due to illness, followed by caring for others (31%), hospitalisation (4%), and then premature death (1%).

Conclusion

Preparedness planning for future influenza pandemics must consider the impact on this medical workforce and incorporate strategies to minimise this impact, including infection control measures, well-designed protocols, and improved health sector surge capacity.
Use of Endogenous Retroviral Sequences (ERVs) and structural markers for retroviral phylogenetic inference and taxonomy
Authors: Jern Patric , Sperber Göran O , Blomberg Jonas
Published: August 2005

Background

Endogenous retroviral sequences (ERVs) are integral parts of most eukaryotic genomes and vastly outnumber exogenous retroviruses (XRVs). ERVs with a relatively complete structure were retrieved from the genetic archives of humans and chickens, diametrically opposite representatives of vertebrate retroviruses (over 3300 proviruses), and analyzed, using a bioinformatic program, RetroTector©, developed by us. This rich source of proviral information, accumulated in a local database, and a collection of XRV sequences from the literature, allowed the reconstruction of a Pol based phylogenetic tree, more extensive than previously possible. The aim was to find traits useful for classification and evolutionary studies of retroviruses. Some of these traits have been used by others, but they are here tested in a wider context than before.

Results

In the ERV collection we found sequences similar to the XRV-based genera: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, epsilon- and spumaretroviruses. However, the occurrence of intermediates between them indicated an evolutionary continuum and suggested that taxonomic changes eventually will be necessary. No delta or lentivirus representatives were found among ERVs. Classification based on Pol similarity is congruent with a number of structural traits. Acquisition of dUTPase occurred three times in retroviral evolution. Loss of one or two NC zinc fingers appears to have occurred several times during evolution. Nucleotide biases have been described earlier for lenti-, delta- and betaretroviruses and were here confirmed in a larger context.

Conclusion

Pol similarities and other structural traits contribute to a better understanding of retroviral phylogeny. "Global" genomic properties useful in phylogenies are i.) translational strategy, ii.) number of Gag NC zinc finger motifs, iii.) presence of Pro N-terminal dUTPase (dUTPasePro), iv.) presence of Pro C-terminal G-patch and v.) presence of a GPY/F motif in the Pol integrase (IN) C-terminal domain. "Local" retroviral genomic properties useful for delineation of lower level taxa are i.) host species range, ii.) nucleotide compositional bias and iii.) LTR lengths.
Copper chelation with tetrathiomolybdate suppresses adjuvant-induced arthritis and inflammation-associated cachexia in rats
Authors: Omoto Atsushi , Kawahito Yutaka , Prudovsky Igor , Tubouchi Yasunori , Kimura Mizuho , Ishino Hidetaka , Wada Makoto , Yoshida Makie , Kohno Masataka , Yoshimura Rikio , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Sano Hajime
Published: August 2005

Tetrathiomolybdate (TM), a drug developed for Wilson's disease, produces an anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effect by reducing systemic copper levels. TM therapy has proved effective in inhibiting the growth of tumors in animal tumor models and in cancer patients. We have hypothesized that TM may be used for the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and have examined the efficacy of TM on adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat, which is a model of acute inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory cachexia. TM delayed the onset of and suppressed the severity of clinical arthritis on both paw volume and the arthritis score. Histological examination demonstrated that TM significantly reduces the synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell invasion in joint tissues. Interestingly, TM can inhibit the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in serum synovial tissues, especially in endothelial cells and macrophages. Moreover, the extent of pannus formation, which leads to bone destruction, is correlated with the content of vascular endothelial growth factor in the serum. There was no mortality in TM-treated rat abnormalities. TM also suppressed inflammatory cachexia. We suggest that copper deficiency induced by TM is a potent approach both to inhibit the progression of rheumatoid arthritis with minimal adverse effects and to improve the well-being of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and its downstream targets in fibroepithelial tumors of the breast
Authors: Kuijper Arno , van der Groep Petra , van der Wall Elsken , van Diest Paul J
Published: August 2005

Introduction

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) alpha and its downstream targets carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are key factors in the survival of proliferating tumor cells in a hypoxic microenvironment. We studied the expression and prognostic relevance of HIF-1α and its downstream targets in phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas of the breast.

Methods

The expression of HIF-1α, CAIX, VEGF and p53 was investigated by immunohistochemistry in a group of 37 primary phyllodes tumors and 30 fibroadenomas with known clinical follow-up. The tumor microvasculature was visualized by immunohistochemistry for CD31. Proliferation was assessed by Ki67 immunostaining and mitotic counts. Being biphasic tumors, immunoquantification was performed in the stroma and epithelium.

Results

Only two fibroadenomas displayed low-level stromal HIF-1α reactivity in the absence of CAIX expression. Stromal HIF-1α expression was positively correlated with phyllodes tumor grade (P = 0.001), with proliferation as measured by Ki67 expression (P < 0.001) and number of mitoses (P < 0.001), with p53 accumulation (P = 0.003), and with global (P = 0.015) and hot-spot (P = 0.031) microvessel counts, but not with CAIX expression. Interestingly, concerted CAIX and HIF-1α expression was frequently found in morphologically normal epithelium of phyllodes tumors. The distance from the epithelium to the nearest microvessels was higher in phyllodes tumors as compared with in fibroadenomas. Microvessel counts as such did not differ between fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors, however. High expression of VEGF was regularly found in both tumors, with only a positive relation between stromal VEGF and grade in phyllodes tumors (P = 0.016). Stromal HIF-1α overexpression in phyllodes tumors was predictive of disease-free survival (P = 0.032).

Conclusion

These results indicate that HIF-1α expression is associated with diminished disease-free survival and may play an important role in stromal progression of breast phyllodes tumors. In view of the absence of stromal CAIX expression in phyllodes tumors, stromal upregulation of HIF-1α most probably arises from hypoxia-independent pathways, with p53 inactivation as one possible cause. In contrast, coexpression of HIF-1α and CAIX in the epithelium in phyllodes tumors points to epithelial hypoxia, most probably caused by relatively distant blood vessels. On the other hand, HIF-1α and CAIX seem to be of minor relevance in breast fibroadenomas.
Recombinant human erythropoietin therapy in critically ill patients: a dose-response study [ISRCTN48523317]
Authors: Georgopoulos Dimitris , Matamis Dimitris , Routsi Christina , Michalopoulos Argiris , Maggina Nina , Dimopoulos George , Zakynthinos Epaminondas , Nakos George , Thomopoulos George , Mandragos Kostas , Maniatis Alice ,   the Critical Care Clinical Trials Greek Group
Published: August 2005

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two dosing schedules of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in increasing haematocrit (Hct) and haemoglobin (Hb) and reducing exposure to allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in critically ill patients.

Method

This was a prospective, randomized, multicentre trial. A total of 13 intensive care units participated, and a total of 148 patients who met eligibility criteria were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous iron saccharate alone (control group), intravenous iron saccharate and subcutaneous rHuEPO 40,000 units once per week (group A), or intravenous iron saccharate and subcutaneous rHuEPO 40,000 units three times per week (group B). rHuEPO was given for a minimum of 2 weeks or until discharge from the intensive care unit or death. The maximum duration of therapy was 3 weeks.

Results

The cumulative number of RBC units transfused, the average numbers of RBC units transfused per patient and per transfused patient, the average volume of RBCs transfused per day, and the percentage of transfused patients were significantly higher in the control group than in groups A and B. No significant difference was observed between group A and B. The mean increases in Hct and Hb from baseline to final measurement were significantly greater in group B than in the control group. The mean increase in Hct was significantly greater in group B than in group A. The mean increase in Hct in group A was significantly greater than that in control individuals, whereas the mean increase in Hb did not differ significantly between the control group and group A.

Conclusion

Administration of rHuEPO to critically ill patients significantly reduced the need for RBC transfusion. The magnitude of the reduction did not differ between the two dosing schedules, although there was a dose response for Hct and Hb to rHuEPO in these patients.
The interplay between DSL proteins and ubiquitin ligases in Notch signaling
Authors: Pitsouli Chrysoula , Delidakis Christos
Published: August 2005

Lateral inhibition is a pattern refining process that generates single neural precursors from a field of equipotent cells and is mediated via Notch signaling. Of the two Notch ligands Delta and Serrate, only the former was thought to participate in this process. We now show that macrochaete lateral inhibition involves both Delta and Serrate. In this context, Serrate interacts with Neuralized, a ubiquitin ligase that was heretofore thought to act only on Delta. Neuralized physically associates with Serrate and stimulates its endocytosis and signaling activity. We also characterize a mutation in mib1, a Drosophila homolog of mind bomb, another Delta-targeting ubiquitin ligase from zebrafish. Mib1 affects the signaling activity of Delta and Serrate in both lateral inhibition and wing dorsoventral boundary formation. Simultaneous absence of neuralized and mib1 completely abolishes Notch signaling in both aforementioned contexts, making it likely that ubiquitination is a prerequisite for Delta/Serrate signaling.
Joachim Kohn (1912–1987) and the Origin of Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis
Authors: Rocco Richard M
Published: August 2005

The year 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of cellulose acetate (CA) electrophoresis by Joachim Kohn, a pathologist at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, London. During a career in pathology that began in 1950 and spanned 37 years, Kohn published more than 50 papers in clinical laboratory medicine. He was the first to report the use of CA microbiology filters as solid supports for zone electrophoresis and the separation of hemoglobin phenotypes on CA membranes. Kohn also invented a new electrophoresis chamber and an 8-position stamp applicator especially for use with CA membranes. Beginning in 1957, Kohn pioneered the development of CA techniques for immunoelectrophoresis, counter immunoelectrophoresis, radial immunodiffusion, protein blotting, and immunofixation. He also designed a transport dressing for burn patients and was the first person to describe the use of an enzyme-based dipstick for measuring fingerstick blood glucose concentrations. This short review highlights Kohn’s discovery of CA electrophoresis and his contributions to the development of this procedure.
Music works: Music for adult English language learners
Authors: Lems Kristin
Published: August 2005

The unique magic of music in the English language learning classroom is explored, with emphasis on research, learning objectives, and rewards that come from using music regularly.
Lessons from the Anhinga trail: Poetry and teaching
Authors: Sullivan Anne McCrary
Published: August 2005

The potential of poetry for expanding possibilities in teaching, learning, and research is explored through specific examples from a poet/teacher's practice of poetry as a way of knowing and a medium for sharing knowledge.
Autophotography in adult education: Building creative communities for social justice and democratic education
Authors: Armstrong Keith B.
Published: August 2005

A composite technique blending photography and autobiography, known as autophotography, was used to unleash individual and group potential in a twelve‐year participatory community.
Mental illness through popular theater: Performing (in)sanely
Authors: Noble Steven E.
Published: August 2005

Transgressive and liberatory learning are explored through the creativity of popular theater as adult education when the freedom and power to imagine and raise awareness are placed in the interacting “bodymind” relationships of a group living with multiple psychiatric diagnoses.
Music for community education and emancipatory learning
Authors: Olson Kevin
Published: August 2005

Collaborative music making continues to be a powerful means of facilitating group knowledge construction and emancipatory learning in communities.
Scrap mettle SOUL: Learning to create social change at the intersection of differences through community performance theater
Authors: Donoho Bette Halperin
Published: August 2005

Community Performance Theater is a vehicle for creating collective knowledge based on oral history, opening dialogue in an urban setting, and paving the way for social change.
Process intensification in a trickle‐bed reactor: Experimental studies
Authors: Dhiman S. K. , Verma Vishal , Rao D. P. , Rao M. S.
Published: August 2005

Process intensification has been the focus of increasing attention in recent years. A volume reduction of distillation and absorption units by a factor of 100 or more using rotating beds has been claimed. Industrial trickle‐bed reactors are bulky because the liquid flow and interphase transport of the reacting species are governed by the earth's gravity, as in the case of distillation columns. To explore the possible process intensification in these reactors, we have measured the reaction rates of hydrogenation of α‐methyl styrene with palladium as catalyst in the rotating beds of spherical particles and metal foam, which acted as catalyst support. To quantify the intensification achieved, the reaction rates were compared with those of conventional trickle beds. The enhancement in the reaction rates was in the range of 30–40 times in a centrifugal force field of about 450 times the gravitational force field. An industrial reactor of 60 m3 could be replaced with a rotating bed < 1.5 m3 in volume. It appears that there is a possibility of further process intensification. However, the volume reduction is possible only for mass‐transfer limited reactions. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Variation in IRF6 contributes to nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate
Authors: Blanton Susan H. , Cortez Amy , Stal Samuel , Mulliken John B. , Finnell Richard H. , Hecht Jacqueline T.
Published: August 2005

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is a common craniofacial birth defect which results in lifelong medical and social consequences. While there have been a number of attempts to identify the genes responsible for this disorder, the results have not been consistent among populations and no single gene has been identified as playing a major susceptibility role. Van der Woude syndrome, a disorder characterized by lower‐lip pits with or without cleft lip/palate, results in many cases from mutations in the interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene. Recently, Zucchero et al. [2004: N Engl J Med 351:769–780] detected an association between SNPs in IRF6 and NSCLP in a number of different populations. A subsequent study by Scapoli et al. [2005: Am J Hum Genet 76:180–183] confirmed this association in an Italian population. We examined the same SNPs as Scapoli et al. [2005] in our large, well‐characterized sample of NSCLP families and trios, and also detected an altered transmission of IRF6 alleles. This additional confirmation further strengthens the IRF6 association and suggests that IRF6 plays a role in NSCLP susceptibility. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new case of 2q duplication supports either a locus for orofacial clefting between markers D2S1897 and D2S2023 or a locus for cleft palate only on chromosome 2q13‐q21
Authors: Õunap Katrin , Ilus Tiiu , Laidre Piret , Uibo Oivi , Tammur Pille , Bartsch Oliver
Published: August 2005

We report on a pure duplication of the proximal chromosome 2q in a 6.5‐year‐old boy with V‐shaped midline cleft palate and bifid uvula, posteriorly located tongue, and micrognathia (Pierre Robin sequence), celiac disease, failure to thrive, and developmental delay. Cytogenetic and FISH analysis indicated a duplication of chromosome 2q13‐q22. In general, pure proximal duplication or triplication of 2q is rare. The clinical features and chromosomal breakpoints of the 10 previously reported patients varied, and no common phenotype or proximal duplication/triplication 2q syndrome could be defined to date. However, based on four previous patients with different orofacial clefts and our case, a locus for orofacial clefting may be located at proximal 2q. The duplication/triplication comprised chromosome 2q13 in all five affected individuals including our patient. Our patient and three previous cases (two with cleft palate only (CPO) and one with cleft lip/palate (CL/P)) showed a cytogenetic breakpoint at 2q13, which could support the presence of a critical dominant gene disrupted by a common breakpoint, however, the fifth case with CPO showed different breakpoints, advocating against the disruption of a critical dominant gene and supporting that the overexpression of a gene(s) on chromosome 2q13‐q21 may cause cleft palate only (CPO) and Pierre Robin sequence. Hence, our findings support either the presence of one locus for orofacial clefting (CL/P, CPO, and Pierre Robin sequence) between markers D2S1897 (chromosome 2q12.2) and D2S2023 (chromosome 2q14.2), or alternatively the presence of a locus for CPO and Pierre Robin sequence on chromosome 2q13‐q21. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and study of Utah pseudo‐isolate populations—prospects for gene identification
Authors: Cannon‐Albright L.A. , Farnham J.M. , Thomas A. , Camp N.J.
Published: August 2005

Isolate populations of varied types have proven powerful for gene identification for rare Mendelian disorders, and continue to show such promise for more complex phenotypes. Existing isolate populations are limited in the phenotypes available for study, and new population isolates are unlikely to arise. We utilize genealogical data available for the state of Utah, dating back to its European founders, to retrospectively define and examine pseudo‐isolate subpopulations. These pseudo‐isolate populations are defined by selection of a set of “founders” from the genealogical data, and then limitation of “immigration” by censoring of matings and offspring that do not match the isolate population design. A wide variety of pseudo isolate and other study designs are possible by varying the number and type of founders and the extent of immigration allowed. We present several different example Birth‐Country pseudo‐isolate populations defined within the Utah Population Database (UPDB). We utilize linked cancer phenotype data available for the Utah population to show the utility of this pseudo‐isolate approach for identification of more genetically homogeneous prostate cancer pedigrees for predisposition gene identification. In conclusion, we present a unique approach to retrospective “creation” of isolate populations using existing genealogical data. We use the UPDB to exhibit the utility of this approach for the highly heterogeneous Utah population, and suggest the approach is feasible for any population for which high quality genealogy and phenotype data are available. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered Specificity in DNA Binding by the lac Repressor: A Mutant lac Headpiece that Mimics the gal Repressor
Authors: Kopke Salinas Roberto , Folkers Gert E. , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , Das Devashish , Boelens Rolf , Kaptein Robert
Published: August 2005

Recognition of the lac operator by the lac repressor involves specific interactions between residues in the repressor's recognition helix and bases in the DNA major groove. Tyr17 and Gln18, at positions 1 and 2 in the lac repressor recognition helix, can be exchanged for other amino acids to generate mutant repressors that display altered specificity. We have solved the solution structure of a protein–DNA complex of an altered‐specificity mutant lac headpiece in which Tyr17 and Gln18 were exchanged for valine and alanine, respectively, as found in the recognition helix of the gal repressor. As previously described by Lehming et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6, 3145–3153), this altered‐specificity mutant of the lac repressor recognizes a variant lac operator that is similar to the gal operator Oe. The mutant lac headpiece showed the predicted specificity and is also able to mimic the gal repressor by recognizing and bending the natural gal operator Oe. These structural data show that, while most of the anchoring points that help the lac headpiece to assemble on the lac operator were preserved, a different network of protein–DNA interactions connecting Ala17 and Val18 to bases in the DNA major groove drives the specificity towards the altered operator.
Domain Reorientation and Induced Fit upon RNA Binding: Solution Structure and Dynamics of Ribosomal Protein L11 from Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Ilin Sergey , Hoskins Aaron , Ohlenschläger Oliver , Jonker Hendrik R. A. , Schwalbe Harald , Wöhnert Jens
Published: August 2005

L11, a protein of the large ribosomal subunit, binds to a highly conserved domain of 23S rRNA and mediates ribosomal GTPase activity. Its C‐terminal domain is the main determinant for rRNA binding, whereas its N‐terminal domain plays only a limited role in RNA binding. The N‐terminal domain is thought to be involved in interactions with elongation and release factors as well as with the antibiotics thiostrepton and micrococcin. This report presents the NMR solution structure of the full‐length L11 protein from the thermophilic eubacterium Thermotoga maritima in its free form. The structure is based on a large number of orientational restraints derived from residual dipolar couplings in addition to conventional NOE‐based restraints. The solution structure of L11 demonstrates that, in contrast to many other multidomain RNA‐binding proteins, the relative orientation of the two domains is well defined. This is shown both by heteronuclear 15N‐relaxation and residual dipolar‐coupling data. Comparison of this NMR structure with the X‐ray structure of RNA‐bound L11, reveals that binding not only induces a rigidification of a flexible loop in the C‐terminal domain, but also a sizeable reorientation of the N‐terminal domain. The domain orientation in free L11 shows limited similarity to that of ribosome‐bound L11 in complex with elongation factor, EF‐G.
Regioselective Conversion of the Secondary Hydroxyl Groups of D‐Glucuronic Acid without the Requirement of O‐Protecting Groups
Authors: Ágoston Károly , Geyer Armin
Published: August 2005

Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride (triflic acid anhydride) transforms the bicyclic thiazolidinlactam 1 a into the crystalline elimination product 2, in which all four secondary hydroxyl groups of 1 a are differently functionalized. Compound 2 can then add nucleophiles with high chemo‐ and stereoselectivity. Altogether, the four secondary hydroxyl groups of D‐glucuronic acid are selectively transformed without the need for any O‐protecting groups. Minimizing the number of O‐protecting groups is a prerequisite for the use of sugar scaffolds in molecular libraries. The hapalosin analogues 15, 16, 19, and 22 outline the strategy towards O‐diversified glucose derivatives.
C‐type lectin‐independent interaction of complement opsonized HIV with monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Pruenster Monika , Wilflingseder Doris , Bánki Zoltán , Ammann Christoph G. , Muellauer Brigitte , Meyer Martina , Speth Cornelia , Dierich Manfred P. , Stoiber Heribert
Published: August 2005

HIV directly activates the complement cascade and is, therefore, opsonized with C3‐cleavage products in vivo. This cloud of C3 fragments on the viral surface may impair the interaction of the HIV envelope glycoproteins gp120/gp41 with C‐type lectins expressed on immature dendritic cells (iDC). Therefore, we determined the accessibility of gp120 after opsonization and compared the interaction of DC with non‐opsonized or complement‐opsonized HIV. The recognition of native gp120 was drastically impaired when the virus was covered by complement. Independent of opsonization, similar amounts of HIV bound to DC. The interaction of iDC and the infection of DC‐PBL co‐cultures with non‐opsonized virus was significantly reduced by mannan and antibodies which inhibit the ICAM‐1‐CR3 interaction. The binding of opsonized virus to iDC was reduced by an anti‐CR3‐antibody, which interferes with the binding of C3 fragments, but was not affected by mannan. Complement enhanced the HIV infection of DC and DC‐PBL co‐cultures significantly. Mannan did not inhibit the complement‐dependent enhancement of infection. Thus, non‐opsonized and opsonized HIV interacted with iDC, although the binding mechanisms seemed to differ. As HIV is opsonized in vivo, the C‐type lectin‐independent interaction of opsonized viruses with iDC has to be taken into account.
Human CXCR2 (hCXCR2) takes over functionalities of its murine homolog in hCXCR2 knockin mice
Authors: Mihara Katsuhiro , Smit Martin‐Jan , Krajnc‐Franken Magda , Gossen Jan , Rooseboom Martijn , Dokter Wim
Published: August 2005

Human CXCR2 (hCXCR2) has been implicated in diverse inflammatory diseases. When roles of this receptor studied in animal models are extrapolated into men, large species differences in expression of the receptor and its ligands must be considered. These differences seriously weaken conclusions toward the role of hCXCR2 in the development of human diseases. It furthermore hampers straightforward testing of CXCR2 antagonists, especially when compounds discriminate between human and other species’ receptors. Using gene targeting in embryonic stem cells, a hCXCR2 knockin mouse strain was generated in which endogenous murine CXCR2 (mCXCR2) sequences are replaced by the hCXCR2 gene. Correct targeting and expression on neutrophils were confirmed by Southern blot and immunohistochemical analyses. A phenotypic analysis of the hCXCR2 knockin mice, in comparison to wild‐type and CXCR2 knockout mice, confirmed proper function of the hCXCR2 gene. In vivo migratory responses of neutrophils were intact in hCXCR2 knockin mice. Finally, an experiment with a CXCR2 antagonist demonstrated that the knockin model is indeed useful for in vivo evaluation of low‐molecular weight compounds. In conclusion, our data unequivocally show that hCXCR2 can functionally replace mCXCR2, making this an attractive model to test novel pharmaceuticals designed to antagonize human CXCR2 in vivo.
In vivo control of endosomal architecture by class II‐associated invariant chain and cathepsin S
Authors: Boes Marianne , van der Wel Nicole , Peperzak Victor , Kim You‐me , Peters Peter J. , Ploegh Hidde
Published: August 2005

The invariant chain (Ii) is a chaperone that regulates assembly and transport of class II MHC molecules. In the absence of the lysosomal protease cathepsin S (CatS), degradation of Ii is impaired and an Ii remnant that extends from the N terminus to about residue 110 accumulates in class II MHC‐positive endosomal compartments, which are enlarged in size and lack multivesicular morphology. In primary B cells examined in vitro and in lymph nodes examined by immuno‐electron microscopy, CatS controls architecture of class II‐positive endosomal compartments. In a compound mutant mouse that lacks both CatS and Ii, the normal size of endosomes in class II‐positive cells is restored, although internal endosomal membranes are absent. Proper degradation of Ii is thus essential for normal endosomal morphology in antigen‐presenting cells in vivo.
Structures, Photoluminescence and Theoretical Studies of Two ZnII Complexes with Substituted 2‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazoles
Authors: Tong Yi‐Ping , Zheng Shao‐Liang , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: August 2005

Two new ZnII complexes of 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (Hpbm), and 5‐amino‐2‐(1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐yl)phenol (Hapbm), namely [Zn(pbm)2] (1), and [Zn(apbm)2]·C2H5OH·H2O (2), as well as the ligands themselves, have been prepared and characterized by X‐ray crystallography and photoluminescence studies. Both 1 and 2 are neutral, mononuclear molecules that display strong photoluminescence in the blue regionand thus may serve as candidates for blue‐light‐emitting electroluminescent materials. The electronic transitions in the photoluminescent processes have also been investigated by means of time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) energy level and molecular orbitals analyses, which show that their absorption and luminescent properties are ligand‐based. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Adenovirus expressing an NPC1‐GFP fusion gene corrects neuronal and nonneuronal defects associated with Niemann pick type C disease
Authors: Paul C.A. , Reid P.C. , Boegle A.K. , Karten B. , Zhang M. , Jiang Z.‐G. , Franz D. , Lin L. , Chang T.Y. , Vance J.E. , Blanchette‐Mackie J. , Maue R.A.
Published: August 2005

Niemann Pick type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal cholesterol metabolism and accumulation in lysosomal and endosomal compartments. Although peripheral organs are affected, the progressive neurodegeneration in the brain is typically most deleterious, leading to dystonia, ataxia, seizures, and premature death. Although the two genes underlying this disorder in humans and mouse models of the disease have been identified (NPC1 in 95% and NPC2/HE1 in 5% of human cases), their cellular roles have not Been fully defined, and there is currently no effective treatment for this disorder. To help address these issues, we constructed a recombinant adenovirus, Ad(NPC1‐GFP), which contains a cDNA encoding a mouse NPC1 protein with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to its C‐terminus. Fluorescence microscopy and cholesterol trafficking assays demonstrate that the GFP‐tagged NPC1 protein is functional and detectable in cells from different species (hamster, mouse, human) and of different types (ovary‐derived cells, fibroblasts, astrocytes, neurons from peripheral and central nervous systems) in vitro. Combined with results from time‐lapse microscopy and in vivo brain injections, our findings suggest that this adenovirus offers advantages for expressing NPC1 and analyzing its cellular localization, movement, functional properties, and beneficial effects in vitro and in vivo. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stable Encapsulation of Active Enzyme by Application of Multilayer Nanofilm Coatings to Alginate Microspheres
Authors: Srivastava Rohit , Brown Jonathan Q. , Zhu Huiguang , McShane Michael J.
Published: August 2005

Summary: In an effort to improve the stability for long‐term biosensor use, layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly was explored as a potential technique to provide a diffusion barrier to encapsulated glucose oxidase inside alginate microspheres (<5 µm), fabricated using an emulsification technique. The total loss of encapsulated enzyme was reduced to less than 25 and 15% with the application of single PAH/PSS and crosslinked PAH/PAA coatings, respectively, in comparison to at least a 45% loss observed with uncoated and PDDA/PSS‐coated microspheres. Furthermore, it was found that enzyme within PAH/PSS‐ and crosslinked PAH/PAA‐coated spheres retained more than 84 and 60% of initial activity, respectively, after three months, whereas uncoated and PDDA/PSS‐coated microspheres retained less than 20%.

Emulsification technique for alginate microspheres.

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Emulsification technique for alginate microspheres.