bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine‐mediated inhibition of renal Na+/K+‐ATPase in HK‐2 cells is reduced by ouabain
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Rong , Yuan Zu‐Yi
Published: February 2010

1. Abnormal renal sodium handling is considered a major contributing factor in hypertension associated with chronic ouabain treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in abnormal renal sodium handling have not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated whether chronic ouabain treatment perturbs dopamine D1receptor function.

2. The expression and phosphorylation levels of the D1receptor in cells of the human proximal tubule cell line (HK‐2) were determined using western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The activity of the renal sodium/potassium pump (Na+/K+‐ATPase) was measured using a colourimetric assay, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation was determined by performing a radioimmunoassay.

3. We showed that chronic ouabain treatment decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of the D1receptor and increased the basal phosphorylation of the D1receptor in HK‐2 cells. We also showed that in the presence of ouabain, HK‐2 cells did not reveal the cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation and Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibition induced by the D1receptor agonist fenoldopam.

4. We hypothesize that the ouabain‐induced decrease in renal D1receptor function is responsible for the increase in renal sodium reabsorption, which eventually leads to ouabain‐induced hypertension.
Inhibitory effect of resveratrol derivative BTM‐0512 on high glucose‐induced cell senescence involves dimethylaminohydrolase/asymmetric dimethylarginine pathway
Authors: Yuan Qiong , Peng Jun , Liu Si‐Yu , Wang Chen‐Jing , Xiang Da‐Xiong , Xiong Xiao‐Ming , Hu Chang‐Ping , Li Yuan‐Jian
Published: February 2010

1. It has been reported that resveratrol exerts the inhibitory effects on aging through activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH)/asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) pathway involved in the high glucose‐induced endothelial cell senescence.

2. The aims of this work were to explore whether BTM‐0512, a novel derivative of resveratrol, was able to exert the beneficial effect on high glucose‐induced cellular senescence through regulating the DDAH/ADMA pathway and to explore whether the regulatory effect of BTM‐0512 on DDAH/ADMA pathway was related to the activation of SIRT1.

3. The senescence model of endothelial cells was induced by high glucose and the cells were collected for the determination of β‐galactosidase and DDAH activity, ADMA level, DDAH and SIRT1 mRNA expression.

4. The results showed that high glucose significantly increased the ratio of senescent cells concomitantly with the decreased DDAH activity, the downregulated DDAH2 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions and the increased ADMA levels, which were attenuated by pretreatment with BTM‐0512.

5. The beneficial effects of BTM‐0512 on high glucose‐induced senescence were blocked by splimtomicin, the specific inhibitor of SIRT1, or by silencing DDAH2 expression.

6. The results suggest that BTM‐0512 was able to exert the beneficial effects on high glucose‐induced cellular senescence through regulating the DDAH/ADMA pathway, and its regulatory effect on DDAH/ADMA pathway was related to the activation of SIRT1.
Effects of flecainide and quinidine on action potential and ventricular arrhythmogenic properties in Scn3b knockout mice
Authors: Hakim Parvez , Thresher Rosemary , Grace Andrew A , Huang Christopher L‐H
Published: February 2010

1. Flecainide and quinidine exert contrasting pro‐arrhythmic and anti‐arrhythmic effects in mouse hearts containing the loss‐of‐function, Scn5a+/−, and the gain‐of‐function, Scn5a+/ΔKPQ, mutations in their sodium channel α‐subunits.

2.  The following properties were accordingly compared in wild‐type and Scn3b−/− hearts modelling modifications in the β‐subunit, before and after introduction of either agent: (i) ventricular arrhythmogenecity and effective refractory periods (VERP) in response to programmed electrical stimulation (PES); (ii) monophasic action potential waveforms recorded from the left ventricular epicardium and endocardium; (iii) action potential durations (APD) obtained from the monophasic action potentials; and (iv) critical intervals derived from the APD and VERP values.

3.  Ventricular tachycardia was induced by PES in 11 out of 15 Scn3b−/− hearts and 0 out of 17 wild‐type hearts. This incidence was reduced to three out of eight Scn3b−/− hearts but increased to three out of eight wild‐type hearts with flecainide.

4. Arrhythmogenic incidence was reduced to two out of eight Scn3b−/− hearts and remained at 0 out of eight wild‐type hearts in the presence of quinidine.

5. Ventricular effective refractory periods were prolonged and endocardial and epicardial APD shortened, resulting in negative critical intervals in both Scn3b−/− and wild‐type hearts treated by either flecainide or quinidine. Nevertheless, endocardial APD remained consistently longer than epicardial APD, leaving similar, positive endocardial–epicardial, differences, ΔAPD, in treated and untreated Scn3b−/− and wild‐type hearts.

6. It is concluded that both flecainide and quinidine exert anti‐arrhythmogenic effects in Scn3b−/− hearts, doing so through modifying VERP rather than ΔAPD, in contrast to their differing effects in Scn5a+/− and Scn5a+/ΔKPQ hearts.
Erythropoietin inhibits γ‐irradiation‐induced apoptosis by upregulation of Bcl‐2 and decreasing the activation of caspase 3 in human UT‐7/erythropoietin cell line
Authors: Liu Yuan‐Yuan , She Zhen‐Jue , Yao Ming‐Hui
Published: February 2010

1. Erythropoietin (EPO) can reverse radiotherapy‐induced anaemia by stimulating bone marrow cells to produce erythrocytes. However, there are limited studies that address the mechanisms by which EPO exerts its beneficial effects in radiotherapy‐induced anaemia. In the present study, we used a human bone marrow‐derived EPO‐dependent leukaemia cell line UT‐7/EPO that progressed further in erythroid development to evaluate the anti‐apoptotic effects of EPO on irradiated human erythroid progenitor.

2. The UT‐7/EPO cells exposed to γ‐irradiation were cultured in the presence or absence of EPO at a concentration of 7 U/mL. The cell viability, cell apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2, Bax and caspase 3 were examined.

3. The results showed that EPO protected the viability of human UT‐7/EPO cells exposed to γ‐irradiation. EPO significantly inhibited γ‐irradiation‐induced apoptosis in human UT‐7/EPO cells: a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic cells was observed (62, 69 and 62% at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively). Furthermore, EPO significantly increased the expression of Bcl‐2 protein and the relative Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, and decreased the activation of caspase 3 and formation of the p17 and p12 cleavage in similar conditions.

4. In conclusion, EPO exerts anti‐apoptotic effects on irradiated human UT‐7/EPO cells through upregulation of Bcl‐2 protein and the relative Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, and by decreasing the activation of caspase 3. These findings may contribute to our understanding of the beneficial function of EPO in radiotherapy‐induced anaemia.
Geochemistry of the Zargoli granite: Implications for development of the Sistan Suture Zone, southeastern Iran
Authors: Rezaei‐Kahkhaei Mehdi , Kananian Ali , Esmaeily Dariush , Asiabanha Abbas
Published: February 2010

The Zargoli granite, which extends in a northeast–southwest direction, intrudes into the Eocene–Oligocene regional metamorphic flysch‐type sediments in the northwest of Zahedan. This pluton, based on modal and geochemical classification, is composed of biotite granite and biotite granodiorite, was contaminated by country rocks during its emplacement, and is slightly changed to more aluminous. The SiO2 content of these rocks range from 62.4 to 66 wt% with an alumina saturation index of Shand [molar Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O)] ∼ 1.1. Most of its chemical variations could be explained by fractionation or heterogeneous distribution of biotite. The features of the rocks resemble those which are typical to post‐collisional granitoids. Chondrite‐normalized rare‐earth element patterns of these rocks are fractionated at (La/Lu)N = 2.25–11.82 with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 3.25–5.26). Zircon saturation thermometry provides a good estimation of magma temperatures (767.4–789.3°C) for zircon crystallization. These characteristics together with the moderate Mg# [100Mg/(Mg + Fe)] values (44–55), Fe + Mg + Ti (millications) = 130–175, and Al–(Na + K + 2Ca) (millications) = 5–50 may suggest that these rocks have been derived from the dehydration partial melting of quartz–feldspathic meta‐igneous lower crust.
Autogamy in Boronia falcifolia: consequences for inbreeding and persistence in fragmented coastal heaths
Authors: SHAPCOTT ALISON , THOMSON AMANDA , WALTON DAVID , LAMONT ROBERT W. , WALLACE HELEN M.
Published: February 2010

Coastal heath is becoming increasingly fragmented, resulting in reduced pollinator abundance affecting species viability. The reproductive ecology and inbreeding of a common coastal heath species, Boronia falcifolia (Rutaceae), was investigated. Pollination observations and experiments were carried out at one site, and inbreeding was assessed using genetic markers at eight populations. Four pollination treatments were assessed: cross‐pollination, self‐pollination, autogamous pollination and open (insect) pollination. Boronia falcifolia was found to be highly self‐compatible, frequently setting seeds from autogamous pollination. There were no significant differences between the autogamous, self and cross pollen treatments for any measures of reproductive success (pollen tube growth, fruit set, swollen locules and seed production). Insect activity resulted in fewer seeds per fruit than hand cross pollination, although pollinator visits were few. All populations studied were highly inbred. Autogamous self‐pollination is widespread in B. falcifolia and this combined with its ability to vegetatively regenerate enhances its potential for survival when pollinators are few.
Crossing barriers between the unrewarding Mediterranean orchids Serapias vomeracea and Serapias cordigera
Authors: BELLUSCI FRANCESCA , PELLEGRINO GIUSEPPE , PALERMO ANNA MARIA , MUSACCHIO ALDO
Published: February 2010

Understanding the genetic architecture of admixed hybridizing populations helps in evaluating the nature of species boundaries and the levels of gene exchange between co‐occurring species. In the present study, we examined a contact zone between Serapias vomeracea and Serapias cordigera, two unrewarding Mediterranean orchid species with a non‐specific pollination strategy. Fruit production and seed viability from interspecific hand‐pollination treatments pointed out the weaknesses of post‐pollination barriers. The occurrence of hybridization was molecularly confirmed in the genus Serapias for the first time, as parts of plants with a transitional morphology were observed in both alleles of the parental LEAFY intron. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that plants with uncertain morphology and classified as one of the other parental species are actually backcrosses, attesting to an extensive interspecific gene exchange. Overall, the contact zone is more similar to a hybrid zone of Ophrys species, well known for their highly specialized pollination, than to a hybrid zone of unspecialized food‐deceptive orchids. Therefore, species boundaries in Serapias are maintained by pre‐pollination mechanisms that need to be better investigated. In light of the intriguing similarities between Serapias and Ophrys underlined by the present study, we hypothesize that the emission of floral scents could be involved in the maintenance of species boundaries in Serapias.
Evolution of obligate pollination mutualism in the tribe Phyllantheae (Phyllanthaceae)
Authors: KAWAKITA ATSUSHI
Published: February 2010

The landmark discovery of obligate pollination mutualism between Glochidion plants and Epicephala moths has sparked increased interest in the pollination systems of Phyllantheae plants. In this paper I review current information on the natural history and evolutionary history of obligate pollination mutualism in Phyllantheae. Currently, an estimated >500 species are mutualistic with Epicephala moths that actively pollinate flowers and whose progeny feed on the resulting seeds. The Phyllantheae also includes species that are not mutualistic with Epicephala moths and are instead pollinated by bees and/or flies or ants. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the mutualism evolved independently five times within Phyllantheae, whereas active pollination behavior, a key innovation in this mutualism, evolved once in Epicephala. Reversal of mutualism has occurred at least once in both partner lineages, involving a Breynia species that evolved an alternative pollination system and a derived clade of Epicephala that colonized ant‐pollinated Phyllantheae hosts and thereby lost the pollinating habit. The plant–moth association is highly species specific, although a strict one‐to‐one assumption is not perfectly met. A comparison of plant and moth phylogenies suggests signs of parallel speciation, but partner switches have occurred repeatedly at a range of taxonomic levels. Overall, the remarkable species diversity and multiple originations of the mutualism provide excellent opportunities to address many important questions on mutualism and the coevolutionary process. Although research on the biology of the mutualism is still in its infancy, the Phyllantheae–Epicephala association holds promise as a new model system in ecology and evolutionary biology.
The future of urodynamics: Non‐invasive ultrasound videourodynamics
Authors: Ozawa Hideo , Igarashi Tatsuo , Uematsu Katsutoshi , Watanabe Toyohiko , Kumon Hiromi
Published: February 2010

A totally non‐invasive transperineal urodynamic technique using Doppler ultrasonography has been developed. Normal urine doesn't have blood cells so urine was thought not to produce Doppler effects. However, basic studies confirmed that the decrease of pressure at high velocity (Bernoulli effects) caused dissolved gas to form microbubbles, which are detected by Doppler ultrasonography. Subjects sat and a probe was advanced via remote control to achieve gentle contact with the perineal skin. The digital uroflow data signals and the color Doppler ultrasound video images were processed on a personal computer. This method was viable to diagnose the degree of bladder outlet obstruction. The advantage of being rapid, effective, and equipped with no special attachments allows it to surpass any other non‐invasive urodynamic methods. The difference between the echocardiogram and the ultrasound urodynamic system is only the frequency of obtaining velocity information: more than 50 times per minute vs once every several hours, respectively. Although the ultrasound urodynamic system is more difficult to develop than the echocardiogram, one principle is shared by both methods. The patient can void freely without interruptions, there is no contact between the penis and the equipment and it is specifically directed toward non‐invasive diagnosis. The development of non‐invasive Doppler ultrasound videourodynamics will dramatically expand understanding of voiding function.
An academy of surgical educators: sustaining education – enhancing innovation and scholarship
Authors: Collins John P. , Gough Ian R.
Published: February 2010

Context:  The aims of surgical education, training and professional development programmes are to ensure surgeons will provide high quality health care throughout their professional lives. Development and delivery of these programmes requires a mixture of surgeons with a different but complimentary range of competencies in medical education, all eager to facilitate learning and support educational scholarship.

Methods:  The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has undertaken a major review of the challenges, risks and opportunities surrounding the development and delivery of its education and continuing professional development programmes.

Results:  Conflicting demands on surgeons' time have compromised their availability for educational activities. At the same time, a decline has occurred in the recognition and value of teaching and educational scholarship as a consequence of financial rewards and prestige now coming principally from patient care and biomedical research. New educational methods have been introduced which have added to the complexities involved and the level of commitments required. In response, the College and its surgical specialty partners have established an Academy of Surgical Educators as a resource for the nine specialties of surgery. It will promote high quality patient care by providing expert educational leadership, guidance and advice and through the advancement and application of educational scholarship.

Conclusion:  The establishment of the Academy serves as a powerful symbol of the importance the College places on its core responsibility as an educational body. Working in association with the University Departments of Surgery throughout Australia and New Zealand, the Academy will better equip the College and its partner Specialist Societies and Associations to meet and sustain the increasingly sophisticated requirements involved in higher education.
The safety and efficacy of ablative techniques adjacent to the hepatic vasculature and biliary system
Authors: Mann Christopher D. , Metcalfe Matthew S. , Lloyd David M. , Maddern Guy J. , Dennison Ashley R.
Published: February 2010

Ablative techniques may provide an alternative to resection in treating awkwardly placed hepatic malignancy adjacent to major vascular and biliary structures. The heat‐sink effect may reduce efficacy adjacent to major vascular structures. Vascular occlusion improves efficacy but is associated with increased vascular and biliary complications. The safety and efficacy of ablation in these situations remain to be defined. Further studies comparing both safety and efficacy are needed.
Can the outcome of open carpal tunnel release be predicted?: a review of the literature
Authors: Turner Alexandra , Kimble Frank , Gulyás Károly , Ball Jennifer
Published: February 2010

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition affecting 1% of the population. Open carpal tunnel release is the most commonly performed procedure for this condition.

About 70–90% of patients have good to excellent long‐term outcomes with open carpal tunnel release. The remainder have poor outcomes. An understanding of factors which predict a poor outcome following open carpal tunnel release would be of benefit during preoperative counselling, and provides more accurate expectations of outcomes after surgery. We reviewed the published literature in the English language over the last 20 years in an attempt to ascertain predictors of poor outcomes following open carpal tunnel release. Patient factors such as age, sex and weight were not found to be predictors of a poor outcome following open carpal tunnel release. Similarly, physical examination had little usefulness, save for abductor pollicis wasting, for predicting post‐surgical functional limitations, symptoms or satisfaction. Co‐morbid conditions such as diabetes, poor health status, thoracic outlet syndrome, double crush, alcohol and smoking have a worse prognosis. Normal nerve conduction studies preoperatively, direct nerve surgery such as neurolysis, abductor pollicis brevis muscle wasting and workers' compensation cases which involve lawyers preoperatively are all associated with worse outcomes. Postoperative physiotherapy may accelerate recovery but neither modifies functional recovery or reduces symptom occurrence.
The structure of bacterial communities in the western Arctic Ocean as revealed by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes
Authors: Kirchman David L. , Cottrell Matthew T. , Lovejoy Connie
Published: February 2010

Bacterial communities in the surface layer of the oceans consist of a few abundant phylotypes and many rare ones, most with unknown ecological functions and unclear roles in biogeochemical processes. To test hypotheses about relationships between abundant and rare phylotypes, we examined bacterial communities in the western Arctic Ocean using pyrosequence data of the V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Samples were collected from various locations in the Chukchi Sea, the Beaufort Sea and Franklin Bay in summer and winter. We found that bacterial communities differed between summer and winter at a few locations, but overall there was no significant difference between the two seasons in spite of large differences in biogeochemical properties. The sequence data suggested that abundant phylotypes remained abundant while rare phylotypes remained rare between the two seasons and among the Arctic regions examined here, arguing against the ‘seed bank’ hypothesis. Phylotype richness was calculated for various bacterial groups defined by sequence similarity or by phylogeny (phyla and proteobacterial classes). Abundant bacterial groups had higher within‐group diversity than rare groups, suggesting that the ecological success of a bacterial lineage depends on diversity rather than on the dominance of a few phylotypes. In these Arctic waters, in spite of dramatic variation in several biogeochemical properties, bacterial community structure was remarkably stable over time and among regions, and any variation was due to the abundant phylotypes rather than rare ones.
Ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in renal transplantation: the role of nitric oxide in an experimental rat model
Authors: Barakat Nashwa , Hussein Abdel‐Aziz M. , Abdel‐Maboud Mahmoud , El‐shair Mahasen A. , Mostafa Amal , Abol‐Enein Hassan
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in a renal transplant rat model, as I/R injury is a common consequence of renal transplantation and NO has many protective properties that might protect the kidney after I/R injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 30 male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 350–400 g and aged 4–6 months underwent renal transplantation and received FK506 (an immunosuppressant) to overcome early acute rejection episodes. The rats were divided randomly into three groups (10 rats each): Group I, treated with FK506 (2 mg/kg body weight [bw], once daily), served as the control group; Group II, treated with FK506 2 mg/kg bw and L‐arginine 300 mg/kg bw; and Group III, treated with FK506 (2 mg/kg bw) and,n‐omega‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME; 50 mg/kg bw). Urine and blood samples were taken at 0 (before operation), 2, 7, and 14 days after transplantation for estimation of urine sodium, creatinine, fractional excretion of sodium, serum creatinine, sodium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Kidney specimens were taken for histological examination by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine and BUN levels significantly decreased in the L‐arginine‐treated group (bothP< 0.001) while they were significantly increased in the L‐NAME‐treated group (P< 0.005 andP< 0.001, respectively) compared with the control group at all time intervals. Light microscopic examination of the renal biopsies in the control group showed acute tubular necrosis, which was minimal in kidneys transplanted and treated with L‐arginine and more markedly with L‐NAME.

CONCLUSION

I/R injury impaired graft function during the first week after transplantation. Injection of L‐arginine before ischaemia antagonized graft deterioration and improved morphological appearance.
Understanding Relations Among Early Family Environment, Cortisol Response, and Child Aggression via a Prevention Experiment
Authors: O’Neal Colleen R. , Brotman Laurie Miller , Huang Keng‐Yen , Gouley Kathleen Kiely , Kamboukos Dimitra , Calzada Esther J. , Pine Daniel S.
Published: February 2010

This study examined relations among family environment, cortisol response, and behavior in the context of a randomized controlled trial with 92 children (M = 48 months) at risk for antisocial behavior. Previously, researchers reported an intervention effect on cortisol response in anticipation of a social challenge. The current study examined whether changes in cortisol response were related to later child aggression. Among lower warmth families, the intervention effect on aggression was largely mediated by the intervention effect on cortisol response. Although the intervention also resulted in significant benefits on child engaging behavior, cortisol response did not mediate this effect. These findings demonstrate meaningful associations between cortisol response and aggression among children at familial risk for antisocial behavior.
Building a New Biodevelopmental Framework to Guide the Future of Early Childhood Policy
Authors: Shonkoff Jack P.
Published: February 2010

Four decades of early childhood policy and program development indicate that evidence‐based interventions can improve life outcomes, and dramatic advances in the biological and behavioral sciences now provide an opportunity to augment those impacts. The challenge of reducing the gap between what we know and what we do to promote the healthy development of young children is to view current best practices as a starting point and to leverage scientific concepts to inspire fresh thinking. This article offers an integrated, biodevelopmental framework to promote greater understanding of the antecedents and causal pathways that lead to disparities in health, learning, and behavior in order to inform the development of enhanced theories of change to drive innovation in policies and programs.
Counterfactual Reasoning: Developing a Sense of “Nearest Possible World”
Authors: Rafetseder Eva , Cristi‐Vargas Renate , Perner Josef
Published: February 2010

This study investigated at what point in development 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children begin to demonstrate counterfactual reasoning by controlling for fortuitously correct answers that result from basic conditional reasoning. Basic conditional reasoning occurs when one applies typical regularities (such as “If ‘whenever’ it doesn’t rain the street is dry”) to counterfactual questions (such as “If it had not rained, would the street be wet or dry?”) without regard to actual events (e.g., if street cleaners had just been washing the street). In counterfactual reasoning, however, the conditional reasoning must be constrained by actual events (according to the “nearest possible world”). In situations when counterfactual reasoning and basic conditional reasoning would yield the same answers, even the youngest children gave mostly correct answers. However, tasks in which the 2 reasoning strategies resulted in different answers proved unusually difficult even for the older children.
Sensing the Coherence of Biology in Contrast to Psychology: Young Children’s Use of Causal Relations to Distinguish Two Foundational Domains
Authors: Erickson Jane E. , Keil Frank C. , Lockhart Kristi L.
Published: February 2010

To what extent do children understand that biological processes fall into 1 coherent domain unified by distinct causal principles? In Experiments 1 and 2 (N = 125) kindergartners are given triads of biological and psychological processes and asked to identify which 2 members of the triad belong together. Results show that 5‐year‐olds correctly cluster biological processes and separate them from psychological ones. Experiments 3 and 4 (N = 64) examine whether or not children make this distinction because they understand that biological and psychological processes operate according to fundamentally different causal mechanisms. The results suggest that 5‐year‐olds do possess this understanding, and furthermore, they have intuitions about the nature of these different mechanisms.
Time, clinic technologies, and the making of reflexive longevity: the cultural work of time left in an ageing society
Authors: Kaufman Sharon R.
Published: February 2010

Developments in clinical intervention are having a profound impact on health and health behaviours in late life and on ideas about longevity and the appropriate time for death. The fact that the timing of death is even considered to be a controllable event is a relatively new cultural phenomenon. The activities that make up life extension, like other medical practices scrutinised by social scientists, constitute a site for the emergence of new forms of subjectivity. For older adults the clinical encounter forces a calculation about how much time left is wanted in relation to age. The twin dimensions of the transformation of time highlighted in this article – the control over the timing of death and the creation of time left– both contribute to and are a widespread effect of biomedicalisation in affluent sectors of society. Through three stories this paper begins to map the cultural work that the concept, time left, does, the socio‐medical ways in which that notion is talked about, organised and calculated in the American clinic today. It asks, what kind of subject emerges when longevity, imbued with the technological, becomes a reflexive practice and an object of intervention and apparent choice?
Developmental coordination disorder, sex, and activity deficit over time: a longitudinal analysis of participation trajectories in children with and without coordination difficulties
Authors: CAIRNEY JOHN , HAY JOHN A , VELDHUIZEN SCOTT , MISSIUNA CHERYL , FAUGHT BRENT E
Published: February 2010

Aim  Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are known to participate in active play less than typically developing children. However, it is not known whether the activity deficit between children with and without DCD widens or diminishes over time.

Method  Data were obtained from a large, prospective cohort study of children (baseline n=2278, total n=2470). Motor coordination was assessed for 2083 students using the short form of the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Participation in organized and free‐play activities was assessed using a participation questionnaire on five occasions over 3 years. Mixed‐effects modelling was used to examine differences in participation over time between children with probable DCD (pDCD, n=111, 46 males, 65 females) and their typically developing peers (n=1972, 1016 males, 956 females). The mean age for the whole sample was 9 years 11 months (SD 5mo) at assessment 1, 10 years 5 months (SD 5mo) at assessment 2, 10 years 11 months (SD 5mo) at assessment 3, 11 years 4 months (SD 4mo) at assessment 4, and 11 years 11 months (SD 4mo) at assessment 5.

Results  Children with pDCD reported less participation in organized and free‐play activities than their typically developing peers, and these differences persisted over time. Among males, the gap in participation in free‐play activities between those with DCD and typically developing children diminished substantially over time; among females, it increased slightly.

Interpretation  DCD is associated with a persistent activity deficit in children. Its effect on participation appears to be particularly serious among females but may diminish with time among males.
Non‐mycosis fungoides cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: reclassification according to the WHO‐EORTC classification
Authors: Weaver Joshua , Mahindra Anuj Kumar , Pohlman Brad , Jin Tao , Hsi Eric D.
Published: February 2010

Background: Non‐mycosis fungoides (non‐MF) primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (PCTCL) are heterogeneous and divided into subgroups by the World Health Organization‐European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (WHO‐EORTC) classification of cutaneous lymphomas. We report the first North American series to examine the applicability of the classification, compare our findings with the predominant European literature and confirm the significance of separation into the indolent and aggressive groups.

Methods: Forty‐four non‐MF PCTCL cases with available tissue for phenotyping, adequate clinical staging information and follow‐up were reclassified according to the WHO‐EORTC classification.

Results: Non‐MF PCTCL had a longer overall survival (OS) (13.8 years) compared with secondary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (SC‐TCL) (2.5 years). Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC‐ALCL) had the most favorable outcome (OS 14.1 years), whereas secondary and primary peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified had the shortest OS (2.5 and 2.4 years, respectively). Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma (CTLCD4) appeared to have a favorable course.

Conclusions: Most non‐MF PCTCL can be classified according to the WHO‐EORTC classification. The relative frequencies are similar to European experience. Non‐MF PCTCL is a heterogeneous group with a favorable outcome compared to SC‐TCL, especially PC‐ALCL and CTLCD4. Separation of non‐MF PCTCL into indolent and aggressive groups appears clinically significant and may provide direction for therapeutic decisions.

Weaver J, Mahindra AK, Pohlman B, Jin T, His ED. Non‐mycosis fungoides cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: reclassification according to the WHO‐EORTC classification.
Cell biological and biomechanical evaluation of two different fixation techniques for rotator cuff repair
Authors: Klinger H.‐M. , Koelling S. , Baums M. H. , Kahl E. , Steckel H. , Smith M. M. , Schultz W. , Miosge N.
Published: February 2010

Our objective was to evaluate the cell biology and biomechanical aspects of the healing process after two different techniques in open rotator cuff surgery – double‐loaded bio‐absorbable suture anchors combined with so‐called arthroscopic Mason–Allen stitches (AAMA) and a trans‐osseous suture technique combined with traditional modified Mason–Allen stitches (SMMA). Thirty‐six mature sheep were randomized into two repair groups. After 6, 12, or 26 weeks, evaluation of the reinsertion site of the infraspinatus tendon was performed. The mechanical load‐to‐failure and stiffness results did not indicate a significant difference between the two groups. After 26 weeks, fibrocartilage was sparse in the AAMA group, whereas the SMMA group showed the most pronounced amount of fibrocartilage. We found no ultrastructural differences in collagen fiber organization between the two groups. The relative expression of collagen type II mRNA in the normal group was 1.11. For the AAMA group, 6 weeks after surgery, the relative expression was 55.47, whereas for the SMMA group it was 1.90. This in vivo study showed that the AAMA group exhibited a tendon‐to‐bone healing process more favorable in its cell biology than that of the traditional SMMA technique. Therefore, the AAMA technique might also be more appropriate for arthroscopic repair.
Self‐reported psychological characteristics as risk factors for injuries in female youth football
Authors: Steffen K. , Pensgaard A. M. , Bahr R.
Published: February 2010

Identifying and understanding injury risk factors are necessary to target the injury‐prone athlete and develop injury prevention measurements. The influence of psychological factors on injuries in football is poorly documented. The purpose of this 8‐month prospective cohort study therefore was to examine whether psychological player characteristics assessed by a self‐administered questionnaire represent risk factors for injury. At baseline, female football players (14–16 years) were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire covering player history, previous injuries, perception of success and motivational climate, life stress, anxiety and coping strategies. During the 2005 season, a total of 1430 players were followed up to record injuries. A history of a previous injury [odds ratio (OR)=1.9 (1.4; 2.5), P<0.001] increased the risk of a new injury to the same region. There were significant differences in disfavor for previously injured compared with non‐injured players for ego orientation (P=0.007), perception of a performance climate (P=0.003) and experienced stressful life events (P<0.001). However, only high life stress (P=0.001) and perception of a mastery climate (P=0.03) were significant risk factors for new injuries. In conclusion, a perceived mastery climate and a high level of life stress were significant predictors for new injuries in a cohort of young female football players.
Physical fitness in relation to transport to school in adolescents: the Danish youth and sports study
Authors: Andersen L. B. , Lawlor D. A. , Cooper A. R. , Froberg K. , Anderssen S. A.
Published: February 2010

In many Western countries, there are concerns about declining levels of physical activity in school‐aged children. Active transport is one way to increase physical activity in children, but few studies have evaluated whether active transport in school‐aged children and adolescents has beneficial effects on fitness and, if so, whether different modes of transport affect different aspects of fitness. In this study, we examined the association of active transport with different aspects of fitness in a representative Danish sample of 545 boys and 704 girls, 15–19 years of age. Physical fitness was assessed through a number of field tests, including a maximal cycle test, dynamic and static strength in different muscle groups, muscle endurance, flexibility and agility. Transport to school was reported as the mode of transport. Almost two‐thirds of the population cycled to school. Cyclists had higher aerobic power than both walkers and passive travelers (4.6–5.9%). Isometric muscle endurance (10–16%), dynamic muscle endurance in the abdominal muscles (10%) and flexibility (6%) were also higher in cyclists compared with walkers and passive travelers. Mode of travel was not related to leisure‐time sports participation. Our findings suggest that commuter bicycling may be a way to improve health in adolescents.
Golf: a game of life and death – reduced mortality in Swedish golf players
Authors: Farahmand B. , Broman G. , De Faire U. , Vågerö D. , Ahlbom A.
Published: February 2010

The specific health benefits achieved from different forms and patterns of leisure‐time physical activity are not established. We analyzed the mortality in a cohort of Swedish golf players. We used the Swedish Golf Federation's membership registry and the nationwide Mortality Registry. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with stratification for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The cohort included 300 818 golfers, and the total number of deaths was 1053. The overall SMR was 0.60 [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.57–0.64]. The mortality reduction was observed in men and women, in all age groups, and in all socioeconomic categories. Golfers with the lowest handicap (the most skilled players) had the lowest mortality; SMR=0.53 (95% CI: 0.41–0.67) compared with 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61–0.75) for those with the highest handicap. While we cannot conclude with certainty that all the 40% decreased mortality rates are explained by the physical activity associated with playing golf, we conclude that most likely this is part of the explanation. To put the observed mortality reduction in context, it may be noted that a 40% reduction of mortality rates corresponds to an increase in life expectancy of about 5 years.
Performance‐based functional evaluation of non‐operative and operative treatment after anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Moksnes H. , Risberg M. A.
Published: February 2010

Highly active anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)‐injured patients are usually recommended surgical treatment as the primary intervention. The objective of this study was to compare the functional outcome in a cohort of individuals after non‐operative treatment to individuals after surgical treatment at a 1‐year follow‐up. One hundred and twenty‐five subjects with a mean age of 27.2 years (±8.6 years), and participating in level I or II activities were included. Baseline and 1‐year follow‐up examination included four single‐legged hop tests, IKDC 2000, KOS‐ADLS, KT‐1000 knee arthrometer measurement, VAS, episodes of giving way, and activity level. Fifty‐one percent went through non‐operative treatment. Non‐operated subjects performed significantly better on two of the four single‐legged hop tests compared with the ACL‐reconstructed subjects at the 1‐year follow‐up. No other differences were observed. Both groups performed an average >90% compared with their uninjured leg on all single‐legged hop tests at the 1‐year follow‐up. The IKCD 2000 scores in the non‐operated and ACL‐reconstructed group were on average 86 and 87. ACL‐injured subjects should be informed of the possibility of success after non‐operative treatment, but future studies are needed to determine significant predictive factors for success for non‐operative and surgically treated individuals.
Emergence of the verification phase procedure for confirming ‘true’V̇O2max
Authors: Midgley A. W. , Carroll S.
Published: February 2010

Traditional V̇O2max criteria are typically based on attainment of a V̇O2 plateau, and threshold values for the respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate and blood lactate concentration. Despite long‐standing criticisms directed at these criteria, their use remains widespread. This article discusses an alternative procedure, termed the verification phase, for confirming the attainment of true V̇O2max. Following a continuous incremental exercise test to the limit of tolerance and appropriate recovery period, the verification phase is performed and is characterized by a supramaximal square wave exercise bout. Consistent peak V̇O2 values in the incremental and verification phases, confirms that a true V̇O2max has been attained. Six recent studies investigated the utility of the verification phase for evaluating true V̇O2max. These studies consistently found small insignificant mean differences between the maximal V̇O2 attained in the incremental and verification phases. However, this group mean approach does not identify individual subjects who may not have attained a true V̇O2max. Notably, only one of the six studies reported a criterion threshold to verify the V̇O2max of individual subjects. Further research is required to investigate the utility of different verification phase procedures and to establish a suitable verification criterion threshold for confirming true V̇O2max.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Antiphospholipid Antibodies Limit Trophoblast Migration by Reducing IL‐6 Production and STAT3 Activity
Authors: Mulla Melissa J. , Myrtolli Kledia , Brosens Jan J. , Chamley Larry W. , Kwak‐Kim Joanne Y. , Paidas Michael J. , Abrahams Vikki M.
Published: February 2010

Citation Mulla MJ, Myrtolli K, Brosens JJ, Chamley LW, Kwak‐Kim JY, Paidas MJ, Abrahams VM. Antiphospholipid antibodies limit trophoblast migration by reducing IL‐6 production and STAT3 activity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

Problem

Women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are at risk of recurrent miscarriage and pre‐eclampsia. aPL target the placenta by binding to β2‐glycoprotein I (β2 GPI) expressed by the trophoblast. The objective of this study was to evaluate if and how aPL affect first trimester trophoblast migration.

Method of study

First trimester trophoblast cells were treated with anti‐β2 GPI monoclonal antibodies. Migration was determined using a two‐chamber assay. Interleukin (IL)‐6 production was evaluated by RT‐PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation was assessed by western blot.

Results

Trophoblast cells constitutively secreted IL‐6 in a time‐dependent manner and this directly correlated with STAT3 phosphorylation. In the presence of anti‐β2 GPI Abs, trophoblast IL‐6 mRNA levels and secretion was downregulated in a Toll‐like receptor 4/MyD88‐independent manner and this correlated with a reduction in phosphorylated STAT3 levels. In addition, the anti‐β2 GPI Abs reduced the migratory potential of trophoblast. Heparin was able to reverse aPL‐dependent inhibition of trophoblast IL‐6 secretion and migration.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that aPL limit trophoblast cell migration by downregulating trophoblast IL‐6 secretion and STAT3 activity. As heparin was unable to prevent these effects, our findings may explain why women with antiphospholipid syndrome, treated with heparin, remain at risk of developing obstetrical syndromes, associated with impaired deep placentation, such as pre‐eclampsia.
Inflammatory nerve responses in the dental pulp
Authors: FRISTAD INGE , BLETSA ATHANASIA , BYERS MARGARET
Published: February 2010

Tooth pulp has a dense innervation and a rich vascular supply to maintain homeostasis and to preserve the integrity of the tissue. Function, trauma, and antigenic challenges make teeth and supporting tissues susceptible to tissue injury and inflammation, partially due to the lack of collateral blood and nerve supply and to their low compliance. This review focuses on dental nerve functions and adaptive changes in the pulpal nerve supply following inflammation and peripheral injury. Overviews of dental innervation and its development and of the peptidergic innervation of oral tissues are presented, followed by a discussion of peripheral and central changes after local insults to teeth and peripheral nerve injuries. The functional implications of these adaptive changes are considered. Received 13 February 2009; accepted 3 September 2009.
Responses of the pulp–dentin organ to dental restorative biomaterials
Authors: DAHL JON E. , ØRSTAVIK DAG
Published: February 2010

Placement of a restorative material in dentin produces the possibility of pulpal injury. In vitro studies have shown that the constituents of dental biomaterials have toxic potentials. In the clinical setting, there may be an immediate reaction of the pulp to, for example, acid etching and to the placement of a bonding agent; however, in most cases the remaining dentin serves as protection against long‐term or permanent damage to the pulp. Important factors for long‐term pulpal outcome are microleakage with possible bacterial penetration and leakage products from restorative materials. Both factors are influenced by the cavity depth, i.e., the remaining thickness of sound dentin. Received 13 February 2009; accepted 29 August 2009.