bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masticatory dysfunction in persons with Down’s syndrome. Part 2: management
Authors: FAULKS D. , MAZILLE M.‐N. , COLLADO V. , VEYRUNE J.‐L. , HENNEQUIN M.
Published: September 2008

Summary  The functional and anatomical characteristics of Down’s syndrome have direct repercussions on oral health; orofacial dysfunction results and feeding and swallowing are impaired. These problems have been described in an earlier article. Different techniques are proposed for the prevention of the development of orofacial dysfunction in Down’s syndrome. In particular, early myofunctional therapy coupled with appliance wear has been shown to be successful over the long term when multidisciplinary management is possible. Functional or conventional orthodontic treatment may be successful for older children when performed concurrently with the use of appropriate behaviour management techniques. More recently, techniques for the compensation of masticatory dysfunction in adults have been proposed, although further research is necessary to confirm their efficacy. The aim of this second article was to review techniques for the prevention, treatment and compensation of orofacial dysfunction in persons with Down’s syndrome from birth to adulthood.
Yeast Yak1 kinase, a bridge between PKA and stress‐responsive transcription factors, Hsf1 and Msn2/Msn4
Authors: Lee Peter , Cho Bo‐Ram , Joo Hwang‐Soo , Hahn Ji‐Sook
Published: September 2008

Hsf1 and Msn2/Msn4 transcription factors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae play important roles in cellular homeostasis by activating gene expression in response to multiple stresses including heat shock, oxidative stress and nutrient starvation. Although it has been known that nuclear import of Msn2 is inhibited by PKA‐dependent phosphorylation, the mechanism for PKA‐dependent regulation of Hsf1 is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that Yak1 kinase, which is under the negative control of PKA, activates both Hsf1 and Msn2 by phosphorylation when PKA activity is lowered by glucose depletion or by overexpressing Pde2 that hydrolyses cAMP. We show that Yak1 directly phosphorylates Hsf1 in vitro, leading to the increase in DNA binding activity of Hsf1. We also demonstrate that Yak1 phosphorylates Msn2 in vitro, but does not affect DNA binding activity of Msn2 or nuclear localization of Msn2 upon glucose depletion. These results suggest a central role for Yak1 in mediating PKA‐dependent inhibition of Hsf1 and Msn2/Msn4.
Molecular typing of Aspergillus species
Authors: De Valk H. A. , Klaassen C. H. W. , Meis J. F. G. M.
Published: September 2008

Aspergillus species are widely distributed fungi that release large amounts of airborne conidia, which are dispersed in the environment. Several Aspergillus species have been described as human pathogens. Molecular techniques have been developed to investigate the epidemiological relation between environmental and clinical isolates. Several typing methods have been described for Aspergillus species, most of them with reference to Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, we summarise all the different available molecular typing techniques for Aspergillus. The performance of these techniques is evaluated with respect to their practical feasibility, and their interpretation and discriminatory power assessed. For A. fumigatus isolates, a large extent of genetic variability is demonstrated and therefore fingerprinting techniques with high discriminatory power and high reproducibility are required for this species. Afut1‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and microsatellite typing showed the highest discriminatory power. In addition, the microsatellites show excellent reproducibility. Other typing techniques are still useful for smaller epidemiological problems and for less well‐equipped laboratories.
Tinea capitis in southwest Poland
Authors: Jankowska‐Konsur Alina , Dyląg Mariusz , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: September 2008

Tinea capitis in southwest Poland is mainly caused by zoophilic dermatophytes. Microsporum canis is the main pathogen, which was demonstrated in all analysed periods between 1977 and 2006 (50.5%–63.2%). Recently (2002–2006), a significant (P < 0.05) increase of Trichophyton tonsurans isolates was observed, which may be due to increasing migration of Polish population in this period. To sum up, the data on the prevalence of tinea capitis in southwest Poland resemble the epidemiological situation in Poland and bordering countries at large.
Patients with chronic urticaria exhibit increased rates of sensitisation to Candida albicans, but not to common moulds
Authors: Staubach Petra , Vonend Anneke , Burow Gerhard , Metz Martin , Magerl Markus , Maurer Marcus
Published: September 2008

Patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU) frequently exhibit increased levels of total IgE (tIgE). However, sensitisations to relevant allergens are rarely detected in CU patients by standard prick testing suggesting that CU symptoms, at least in some patients, may represent hypersensitivity reactions to less common allergens. The objective of this study was to characterise skin reactivity and serum levels of IgE to Candida albicans (CA) and mould allergens in CU patients. A total of 112 CU patients and 35 healthy control subjects were subjected to intracutaneous skin testing for CA and seven ubiquitous moulds. Allergen specific and tIgE were determined using the Pharmacia CAP System. CU patients exhibited higher levels of tIgE than healthy subjects, but comparable rates of skin reactivity to CA and moulds and similar levels of specific IgE to mould allergens. However, increased IgE‐anti‐CA could only be detected in CU patients (13%). Almost all IgE‐anti‐CA positive CU patients showed high levels of tIgE. These data suggest that IgE‐anti‐CA expression contributes, at least in part, to increased tIgE levels in CU patients. Our findings call for further studies to characterise the relevance of CA hypersensitivity in CU, particularly in IgE‐anti‐CA positive CU patients that exhibit colonisation with Candida albicans.
Cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent 8‐year‐old girl
Authors: Yuanjie Zhu , Jianghan Chen , Julin Gu , Hai Wen
Published: September 2008

An immunocompetent 8‐year‐old girl was presented with cryptococcal meningitis. She was cured clinically and mycologically after 6 weeks of amphotericin B plus flucytocin and 2 months of fluconazole, and no relapse and sequelae were observed. Mycological and clinical profile of the patient during treatment was recorded.
Genomics of pyrrolnitrin biosynthetic loci: evidence for conservation and whole‐operon mobility within Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Costa Rodrigo , Van Aarle Ingrid M. , Mendes Rodrigo , Van Elsas Jan Dirk
Published: September 2008

Pyrrolnitrin (PRN) is a tryptophan‐derived secondary metabolite produced by a narrow range of Gram‐negative bacteria. The PRN biosynthesis by rhizobacteria presumably has a key role in their life strategies and in the biocontrol of plant diseases. The biosynthetic operon that encodes the pathway that converts tryptophan to PRN is composed of four genes, prnA through D, whose diversity, genomic context and spread over bacterial genomes are poorly understood. Therefore, we launched an endeavour aimed at retrieving, by in vitro and in silico means, diverse bacteria carrying the prnABCD biosynthetic loci in their genomes. Analysis of polymorphisms of the prnD gene sequences revealed a high level of conservation between Burkholderia, Pseudomonas and Serratia spp. derived sequences. Whole‐operon‐ and prnD‐based phylogeny resulted in tree topologies that are incongruent with the taxonomic status of the evaluated strains as predicted by 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. The genomic composition of c. 20 kb DNA fragments containg the PRN operon varied in different strains. Highly conserved and distinct transposase‐encoding genes surrounding the PRN biosynthetic operons of Burkholderia pseudomallei strains were found. A prnABCD‐deprived genomic region in B. pseudomallei strain K96243 contained the same gene composition as, and shared high homology with, the flanking regions of the PRN operon in B. pseudomallei strains 668, 1106a and 1710b. Our results strongly suggest that the PRN biosynthetic operon is mobile. The extent, frequency and promiscuity of this mobility remain to be understood.
Testicular lesions other than germ cell tumours: feasibility of testis‐sparing surgery
Authors: Passman Corey , Urban Donald , Klemm Katrin , Lockhart Mark , Kenney Phillip , Kolettis Peter
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE

To review all non‐germ‐cell testicular lesions presenting at our institution and to determine the feasibility of testis‐sparing surgery for these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All surgery for testicular masses between June 1995 and June 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with atrophy, germ cell tumours, infection or torsion were excluded. The study comprised men who had radical orchidectomy for suspected germ‐cell tumour but had other final pathology, and those where testis‐sparing surgery was attempted for a presumed benign lesion.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with lesions appropriate for the study were identified; all but one had a palpable lesion. The lesions could be categorized as inflammatory (three hyalinized fibrosis, two sarcoidosis, one chronic inflammation), cystic (one epidermoid cyst, one unilocular cyst), benign neoplasms (two adenomatoid tumours, one Leydig cell tumour, one capillary haemangioma) or malignant neoplasms (one lymphoma). Based on the preoperative impression, testis‐sparing surgery was attempted in eight of the lesions and was successful in six where it was attempted. In the other five, testis‐sparing surgery was not attempted because the preoperative impression was that of a germ cell tumour. Testis‐sparing surgery was successful in only six of the 13 patients with these lesions.

CONCLUSION

Testis‐sparing surgery might be possible if there is significant suspicion of a benign lesion. If frozen‐section analysis is equivocal, a radical orchidectomy is required. Testis‐sparing surgery was feasible in highly selected cases.
Oestrogen receptor expression and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the clitoris and preputial gland structures of mice
Authors: Martin‐Alguacil Nieves , Schober Justine , Kow Lee‐Ming , Pfaff Donald
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE

To study the presence of oestrogen receptors (ER) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the mouse clitoris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A series of sections of the pelvic area, including the preputial glands and clitoris, of 10 mice were assessed by immunocytochemical studies specific for ER‐α and ‐β, and nNOS; selected sections were also stained with Masson’s trichrome.

RESULTS

ERα was detected in the epithelium of the gland of the clitoris, and in the glandular tissue, preputial and apocrine gland. ERα was detected in the nuclei of stromal cells around the cavernous tissue and near the epithelium of the clitoris. Cytoplasm ERα was detected in a few cells in an area ventral to the clitoral gland. There was also nuclear staining in the connective tissue cells surrounding the clitoris. Very light ERβ immunostaining was detected in the clitoris and in the tissue related to it. There were some cells with nuclear staining in the vessels of the cavernous tissue of the clitoris. nNOS immunostaining was detected in the clitoris, the preputial gland and the connective tissue.

CONCLUSION

ERα and β isoforms, and nNOS, are present in the clitoris and preputial glands of female mice in different cellular locations and with differing levels of receptivity. Functional studies would further elucidate the role of receptor functions and their relationship to the neuronal expression of NO.
Prospective evaluation of sexual function in patients receiving cryosurgery as a primary radical treatment for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Asterling Susan , Greene Damian R.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prospectively the sexual function of patients undergoing cryosurgery as a primary radical treatment for localized prostate cancer, as the development of 17 G cryotherapy probes has improved the delivery of this treatment, but one of the side‐effects of cryosurgery is the development of erectile dysfunction (ED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2003 and May 2008, 53 patients were treated using an argon‐based third‐generation cryotherapy system (Oncura, Arlington Heights, IL, USA). Prospective data were collected at 6 weeks, 3 months, then 3‐monthly up to 1 year and subsequently 6‐monthly. Patients were followed up for up to 54 months, with a median (mean) follow‐up 36 (30.5) months.

RESULTS

All 53 patients were followed after receiving cryosurgery as primary treatment for prostate cancer; 51 (96.3%) had ED at 6 weeks while two (3.7%) were experiencing partial erections. By 9 months one (2.4%) of 42 patients was fully potent using phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitors, and six (14.3%) were experiencing partial erections. By 18 months eight (21%) of 39 patients followed up had regained full potency and by 24 months eight (24%) of 33 patients were fully potent and three (9%) experienced partial erections.

CONCLUSION

While ED is a significant side‐effect of cryotherapy, a considerable proportion of patients who have no ED before treatment (39%) recover full sexual function afterward. Focal nerve‐sparing cryosurgery might be the way forward in an attempt to preserve erectile function in men who had no ED before treatment. Erectile aids should be made available for those patients for whom sexual dysfunction compromises the quality of their life and relationships.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) compared with blood glucose awareness training (BGAT) in poorly controlled Type 1 diabetic patients: long‐term effects on HbA1c moderated by depression. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Snoek F. J. , Van Der Ven N. C. W. , Twisk J. W. R. , Hogenelst M. H. E. , Tromp‐Wever A. M. E. , Van Der Ploeg H. M. , Heine R. J.
Published: September 2008

Objective  To test the effectiveness at 6 and 12 months’ follow‐up of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) compared with blood glucose awareness training (BGAT) in poorly controlled Type 1 diabetic patients and to explore the moderating effect of baseline depression.

Research design and methods  Adults with Type 1 diabetes (n = 86) with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 8% were randomized to CBT or BGAT. Primary outcome was HbA1c control. Secondary outcomes were: self‐care, diabetes‐related distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes scale; PAID), diabetes self‐efficacy (Confidence in Diabetes Self‐care scale; CIDS) and depressive symptoms (Centre for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale; CES‐D). Measurements were scheduled before CBT and BGAT, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after. Differential effects were analysed for the subgroup of patients reporting low vs. high baseline levels of depression.

Results  Neither CBT nor BGAT had a significant impact on HbA1c at 6 and 12 months’ follow‐up. Both interventions resulted in lower depressive symptoms (CES‐D 15.7–13.3, P = 0.01) up to 12 months, but only CBT was effective in lowering HbA1c in patients with high baseline depression scores (HbA1c 9.5–8.8%) up to 1 year of follow‐up (P = 0.03).

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that group CBT can effectively help Type 1 diabetic patients with co‐morbid depression achieve and maintain better glycaemic outcomes.
Education eclipses ethnicity in predicting the development of the metabolic syndrome in different ethnic groups in midlife: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
Authors: Scuteri A. , Vuga M. , Najjar S. S. , Mehta V. , Everson‐Rose S. A. , Sutton‐Tyrrell K. , Matthews K. , Lakatta E. G
Published: September 2008

Objective  To determine the respective roles of socio‐economic status (SES) and ethnicity in the risk of incident metabolic syndrome in middle‐aged women.

Design and participants  A total of 3302 pre‐ and peri‐menopausal women, not receiving hormone therapy at baseline, took part in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a multi‐site, community‐based, longitudinal study of the menopausal transition. The main outcome measures were to ascertain the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and the incidence of the metabolic syndrome over 5 years of follow‐up.

Results  At baseline, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 21% (n = 673). Among 2512 women without metabolic syndrome at baseline, 12.8% (n = 321) developed the metabolic syndrome during 5 years of follow‐up. Both ethnicity and SES were significant univariate predictors of incident metabolic syndrome. In multivariate logistic regression models that included age at baseline, menopausal status and site, baseline smoking and alcohol consumption at follow‐up visit 1, as well as baseline values of each of the components of the metabolic syndrome, only education was an independent predictor of incident metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion  Approximately 13% of peri‐menopausal women developed the metabolic syndrome during the 5‐year follow‐up period. Education, but not ethnicity, was an independent predictor of incident metabolic syndrome risk.
Plant pharming of a full‐sized, tumour‐targeting antibody using different expression strategies
Authors: Villani Maria Elena , Morgun Bogdan , Brunetti Patrizia , Marusic Carla , Lombardi Raffaele , Pisoni Ivan , Bacci Camilla , Desiderio Angiola , Benvenuto Eugenio , Donini Marcello
Published: September 2008

The aims of this work were to obtain a human antibody against the tumour‐associated antigen tenascin‐C (TNC) and to compare the yield and quality of plant‐produced antibody in either stable transgenics or using a transient expression system. To this end, the characterization of a full‐sized human immunoglobulin G (IgG) [monoclonal antibody H10 (mAb H10)], derived from a selected single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) and produced in plants, is presented. The human mAb gene was engineered for plant expression, and Nicotiana tabacum transgenic lines expressing both heavy (HC) and light (LC) chain were obtained and evaluated for antibody expression levels, in vivo assembly and functionality. Affinity‐purified H10 from transgenics (yield, 0.6–1.1 mg/kg fresh weight) revealed that more than 90% of HC was specifically degraded, leading to the formation of functional antigen‐binding fragments (Fab). Consequently, H10 was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants through an Agrobacterium‐mediated gene‐transfer system. Moreover, the use of the p19 silencing suppressor gene from artichoke mottled crinkle virus raised antibody expression levels by an order of magnitude (yields of purified H10, 50–100 mg/kg fresh weight). Approximately 75% of purified protein consisted of full‐sized antibody functionally binding to TNC (KD = 14 nm), and immunohistochemical analysis on tumour tissues revealed specific accumulation around tumour blood vessels. The data indicate that the purification yields of mAb H10, using a transient expression system boosted by the p19 silencing suppressor, are exceptionally high when compared with the results reported previously, providing a technique for the over‐expression of anticancer mAbs by a rapid, cost‐effective, molecular farming approach.
Life Cycle and Cohort Productivity in Economic Research: The Case of Germany
Authors: Rauber Michael , Ursprung Heinrich W.
Published: September 2008

We examine the research productivity of German academic economists over their life cycles. It turns out that the career patterns of research productivity as measured by journal publications are characterized by marked cohort effects. Moreover, the life cycles of younger German economists are hump shaped and resemble the life cycles identified for US economists, whereas the life cycles of older German economists are much flatter. Finally, we find that not only productivity, but also research quality follows distinct life cycles. Our study employs econometric techniques that are likely to produce estimates that are more trustworthy than previous estimates.
Publish or Perish? The Increasing Importance of Publications for Prospective Economics Professors in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Graber Michael , Wälde Klaus
Published: September 2008

Tenure decisions depend, among other factors, on a candidate’s career age and publication record.We associate publications with journal articles indexed in EconLit and measure publication output in equivalents of both top-five journal articles and European Economic Review (EER) articles. We find that the average age of a professor in the year of his/her first appointment is 38, i.e. he or she is appointed approximately eight years after completing the PhD. Between 1970 and 2006, the average publication record at the time of the first appointment is equivalent to 1.5 standardized top-five articles or 2.3 standardized EER articles. Publication records vary across subfields and have become more substantial over time.We predict that someone aspiring to a tenured position after 2011 should aim at an equivalent of four standardized top-five articles or six standardized EER articles.
The Effects of Pre‐issue Information Releases on Seasoned Equity Offerings
Authors: Lin Yi‐Mien , You Shwu‐Jen , Lin Fung‐Jiao
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Because of information asymmetry, managers tend to make pre‐issue disclosures to reduce the costs of seasoned equity offerings. This paper discusses whether pre‐issue information releases of major investments, financial forecast revisions and dividends help the investors to anticipate seasoned equity offerings and assist in reducing the information asymmetry when the managers announce equity issues. We analyze price and trading volume reactions to equity issue announcements to infer the degree of information asymmetry. Consistent with our expectations, we find that these three types of pre‐issue disclosures can help investors to anticipate equity issues. However, after controlling for anticipation and cross‐sectional variation in uncertainty, we find none of the disclosures are capable of reducing the price drop at issue announcement, and only the disclosures of increased cash dividends have the effect of reducing the negative trading volume reactions. In addition, both the price and trading volume reactions are not related to the intervals between the disclosures and the issue announcements.
What's the Risk? A Simple Approach for Estimating Adjusted Risk Measures from Nonlinear Models Including Logistic Regression
Authors: Kleinman Lawrence C. , Norton Edward C.
Published: September 2008

Objective. To develop and validate a general method (called regression risk analysis) to estimate adjusted risk measures from logistic and other nonlinear multiple regression models. We show how to estimate standard errors for these estimates. These measures could supplant various approximations (e.g., adjusted odds ratio [AOR]) that may diverge, especially when outcomes are common.

Study Design. Regression risk analysis estimates were compared with internal standards as well as with Mantel–Haenszel estimates, Poisson and log‐binomial regressions, and a widely used (but flawed) equation to calculate adjusted risk ratios (ARR) from AOR.

Data Collection. Data sets produced using Monte Carlo simulations.

Principal Findings. Regression risk analysis accurately estimates ARR and differences directly from multiple regression models, even when confounders are continuous, distributions are skewed, outcomes are common, and effect size is large. It is statistically sound and intuitive, and has properties favoring it over other methods in many cases.

Conclusions. Regression risk analysis should be the new standard for presenting findings from multiple regression analysis of dichotomous outcomes for cross‐sectional, cohort, and population‐based case–control studies, particularly when outcomes are common or effect size is large.
A Nationwide Population‐Based Study of Tension‐Type Headache in Brazil
Authors: Queiroz Luiz P. , Peres Mario F.P. , Piovesan Elcio J. , Kowacs Fernando , Ciciarelli Marcello C. , Souza Jano A. , Zukerman Eliova
Published: September 2008

Objectives.— To estimate the 1‐year prevalence of tension‐type headache (TTH) and the degree of the association of TTH with some sociodemographic characteristics of a representative sample of the adult population of Brazil.

Methods.— This was an observational, cross‐sectional, population‐based study. We conducted telephone interviews on 3848 people, aged 18‐79 years, randomly selected from the 27 states of Brazil. Trained lay interviewers administered the structured questionnaire. It included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the population, as well as questions about headache. The degree of the association was calculated through prevalence ratios, adjusted with Poisson regression by gender, age, years of education, marital status, household income, job status, body mass index (BMI), and physical exercise.

Results.— The estimated 1‐year gender‐ and‐age‐adjusted prevalence of TTH was 13.0% (95% CI: 11.8‐14.2%); 15.4% in males and 9.5% in females. The prevalence of probable TTH was 22.6% (95% CI: 21.1‐24.1%). Most (86.2%) subjects reported episodic TTH; 6.4% had chronic TTH. The prevalence was higher at 18‐29 years of age (16.2%). TTH was 1.6 times more prevalent in men, and 1.54 times more in subjects with more than 11 years of education. There was no significant association of TTH with marital or job status, household income, BMI, and physical activity.

Conclusion.— This is the first nationwide epidemiological study of TTH in Brazil. The overall prevalence of TTH in Brazil is low, at 13%. TTH is significantly more prevalent in males and subjects with higher education level.
The Mode of Action of Migraine Triggers: A Hypothesis
Authors: Lambert Geoffrey A. , Zagami Alessandro S.
Published: September 2008

Objectives.—To review conjectured modes of action of migraine triggers and to present a new hypothesis about them.

Background.—Migraine attacks are initiated in many migraineurs by a variety of “triggers,” although in some patients no external trigger can be identified. Many triggers provoke attacks with such a short latency that only some kind of neural mechanism can explain the triggering.

Results.—We present here a hypothesis that the pain of migraine has its ultimate origin in the cortex, but that the immediate generator is in the brainstem. Our hypothesis is that most migraines have triggers that produce excitation of cortical neurons and that this directly causes withdrawal of descending sensory inhibition originating in the brainstem. A wide range of evidence from the literature that cortical activation induced by a number of different mechanisms often produces headache is presented to support this notion. Several nuclei in the brainstem appear to participate in the selective control of trigeminovascular sensation through descending inhibitory mechanisms that arise in the cortex. In this review we focus on 2 of them, the periaqueductal gray matter and nucleus raphe magnus. Our own past results and those of others show that this inhibition is specific for craniovascular sensation and involves the neurotransmitter 5‐hydroxytryptamine. Finally, we summarize our own recent experiments, which show that cortical activation by migraine triggers (including cortical spreading depression) inhibits neuronal discharge in the brainstem and facilitates trigeminovascular sensation.

Conclusion.—If the hypothesis can be proven and the neurotransmitters involved in the hypothetical trigger pathway can be identified, it may be possible to develop novel migraine preventative therapies.
STATE TRANSITIONS AND NONPHOTOCHEMICAL QUENCHING DURING A NUTRIENT‐INDUCED FLUORESCENCE TRANSIENT IN PHOSPHORUS‐STARVED DUNALIELLA TERTIOLECTA1
Authors: Petrou K. , Doblin M. A. , Smith R. A. , Ralph P. J. , Shelly K. , Beardall J.
Published: September 2008

Assessments of nutrient‐limitation in microalgae using chl a fluorescence have revealed that nitrogen and phosphorus depletion can be detected as a change in chl a fluorescence signal when nutrient‐starved algae are resupplied with the limiting nutrient. This photokinetic phenomenon is known as a nutrient‐induced fluorescence transient, or NIFT. Cultures of the unicellular marine chlorophyte Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher were grown under phosphate starvation to investigate the photophysiological mechanism behind the NIFT response. A combination of low temperature (77 K) fluorescence, photosynthetic inhibitors, and nonphotochemical quenching analyses were used to determine that the NIFT response is associated with changes in energy distribution between PSI and PSII and light‐stress‐induced nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). Previous studies point to state transitions as the likely mechanism behind the NIFT response; however, our results show that state transitions are not solely responsible for this phenomenon. This study shows that an interaction of at least two physiological processes is involved in the rapid quenching of chl a fluorescence observed in P‐starved D. tertiolecta: (1) state transitions to provide the nutrient‐deficient cell with metabolic energy for inorganic phosphate (Pi)‐uptake and (2) energy‐dependent quenching to allow the nutrient‐stressed cell to avoid photodamage from excess light energy during nutrient uptake.
Consumer Trust in Food Safety—A Multidisciplinary Approach and Empirical Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chen Mei‐Fang
Published: September 2008

Food scandals that happened in recent years have increased consumers' risk perceptions of foods and decreased their trust in food safety. A better understanding of the consumer trust in food safety can improve the effectiveness of public policy and allow the development of the best practice in risk communication. This study proposes a research framework from a psychometric approach to investigate the relationships between the consumer's trust in food safety and the antecedents of risk perceptions of foods based on a reflexive modernization perspective and a cultural theory perspective in the hope of benefiting the future empirical study. The empirical results from a structural equation modeling analysis of Taiwan as a case in point reveal that this research framework based on a multidisciplinary perspective can be a valuable tool for a growing understanding of consumer trust in food safety. The antecedents in the psychometric research framework comprised reflexive modernization factors and cultural theory factors have all been supported in this study except the consumer's perception of pessimism toward food. Moreover, the empirical results of repeated measures analysis of variance give more detailed information to grasp empirical implications and to provide some suggestions to the actors and institutions involved in the food supply chain in Taiwan.
The effects of infant media usage: what do we know and what should we learn?
Authors: Christakis Dimitri A
Published: September 2008

The rise of infant TV viewing began in the late 1990s and has become an increasingly common occurrence. Today, over 90% of children begin watching TV regularly before the age of 2 years in spite of recommendations to the contrary. This article reviews what is known about the effects of infant TV viewing on multiple domains of child development including language, cognition and attentional capacity as well as directions for future research.

Conclusion: No studies to date have demonstrated benefits associated with early infant TV viewing. The preponderance of existing evidence suggests the potential for harm. Parents should exercise due caution in exposing infants to excessive media.
Creating hybrid proteins by insertion of exogenous peptides into permissive sites of a class A β‐lactamase
Authors: Ruth Nadia , Quinting Birgit , Mainil Jacques , Hallet Bernard , Frère Jean‐Marie , Huygen Kris , Galleni Moreno
Published: September 2008

Insertion of heterologous peptide sequences into a protein carrier may impose structural constraints that could help the peptide to adopt a proper fold. This concept could be the starting point for the development of a new generation of safe subunit vaccines based on the expression of poorly immunogenic epitopes. In the present study, we characterized the tolerance of the TEM‐1 class A β‐lactamase to the insertion of two different peptides, the V3 loop of the gp120 protein of HIV, and the thermostable STa enterotoxin produced by enterotoxic Escherichia coli. Insertion of the V3 loop of the HIV gp120 protein into the TEM‐1 scaffold yielded insoluble and poorly produced proteins. By contrast, four hybrid β‐lactamases carrying the STa peptide were efficiently produced and purified. Immunization of BALB/c mice with these hybrid proteins produced high levels of TEM‐1‐specific antibodies, together with significant levels of neutralizing antibodies against STa.
Covalent flavinylation of vanillyl‐alcohol oxidase is an autocatalytic process
Authors: Jin Jianfeng , Mazon Hortense , van den Heuvel Robert H. H. , Heck Albert J. , Janssen Dick B. , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: September 2008

Vanillyl‐alcohol oxidase (VAO; EC 1.1.3.38) contains a covalently 8α‐histidyl bound FAD, which represents the most frequently encountered covalent flavin–protein linkage. To elucidate the mechanism by which VAO covalently incorporates the FAD cofactor, apo VAO was produced by using a riboflavin auxotrophic Escherichia coli strain. Incubation of apo VAO with FAD resulted in full restoration of enzyme activity. The rate of activity restoration was dependent on FAD concentration, displaying a hyperbolic relationship (KFAD = 2.3 μm, kactivation = 0.13 min−1). The time‐dependent increase in enzyme activity was accompanied by full covalent incorporation of FAD, as determined by SDS/PAGE and ESI‐MS analysis. The results obtained show that formation of the covalent flavin–protein bond is an autocatalytic process, which proceeds via a reduced flavin intermediate. Furthermore, ESI‐MS experiments revealed that, although apo VAO mainly exists as monomers and dimers, FAD binding promotes the formation of VAO dimers and octamers. Tandem ESI‐MS experiments revealed that octamerization is not dependent on full covalent flavinylation.
Omeprazole Alleviates Benzo[a]pyrene Cytotoxicity by Inhibition of CYP1A1 Activity in Human and Mouse Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Shiizaki Kazuhiro , Ohsako Seiichiroh , Kawanishi Masanobu , Yagi Takashi
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Omeprazole is a drug used for treating gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and duodenal ulcers. Omeprazole induces a xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), as its ligand by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation without binding. CYP1A1‐inducible chemicals, such as benzo[a]pyrene and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin, are known to have adverse effects (i.e. carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and malformation). Unlike these typical AhR activators, omeprazole has shown no experimental evidence of carcinogenic activity. The possibility, however, remains that omeprazole may aggravate the effect of environmental carcinogens through CYP1A1 induction. We exposed benzo[a]pyrene and omeprazole simultaneously to human and mouse hepatoma cells to investigate the synergistic effect of these chemicals. Contrary to our prediction, cytotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene was inhibited by the omeprazole exposure in a dose‐dependent manner. Omeprazole did not alter CYP1A1 mRNA and protein levels induced by benzo[a]pyrene. The 7‐ethoxy‐resorufin‐O‐deethylase assay revealed that omeprazole inhibited CYP1A1 enzyme activity. Kinetic analysis also demonstrated that it is a competitive inhibitor for CYP1A1. TheKmvalue of omeprazole against CYP1A1 activity was 50.1 µM. We conclude that the effects of omeprazole on CYP1A1 involve not only induction through AhR activation but also inhibition of its enzyme activity, and that the protective effect of omeprazole against benzo[a]pyrene cytotoxicity depends on the latter.
Hypoglycaemic Effects of Antidiabetic Drugs in Streptozotocin‐Nicotinamide‐Induced Mildly Diabetic and Streptozotocin‐Induced Severely Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tahara Atsuo , Matsuyama‐Yokono Akiko , Nakano Ryosuke , Someya Yuka , Shibasaki Masayuki
Published: September 2008

Abstract:   In this study, streptozotocin‐induced severely diabetic rats and streptozotocin‐nicotinamide‐induced mildly diabetic rats were established to compare their characteristics and to investigate the hypoglycaemic effects of antidiabetic drugs. Results show that in streptozotocin‐induced severely diabetic rats, the pancreatic insulin content decreased to approximately 10% of that in normal rats. These severely diabetic rats also exhibited marked hyperglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance due to insulin secretory deficiency. In contrast, the pancreatic insulin content was approximately 50% of normal levels in streptozotocin‐nicotinamide‐induced mildly diabetic rats. These mildly diabetic rats exhibited moderate hyperglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance due to loss of early‐phase insulin secretion. Voglibose (α‐glucosidase inhibitor), metformin (biguanide), glibenclamide (sulfonylurea), sitagliptin (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor) and insulin significantly improved glucose tolerance in streptozotocin‐nicotinamide‐induced mildly diabetic rats. In contrast, in streptozotocin‐induced severely diabetic rats, voglibose, metformin and insulin significantly improved glucose tolerance, but no significant effect was observed for glibenclamide and sitagliptin due to a decreased insulinotropic effect. These results suggest that streptozotocin‐nicotinamide‐induced mildly diabetic rats, which exhibit a mild decline in glucose tolerance due to loss of early‐phase insulin secretion, are sensitive to the hypoglycaemic effects of insulinotropic agents and have many pathological features resembling type 2 diabetes, which may be useful in the pharmacological investigation of numerous antidiabetic drugs.
Development of an Electronic Seepage Chamber for Extended Use in a River
Authors: Fritz Brad G. , Mendoza Donaldo P. , Gilmore Tyler J
Published: September 2008

Seepage chambers have been used to characterize the flux of water across the water‐sediment interface in a variety of settings. In this work, an electronic seepage chamber was developed specifically for long‐term use in a large river where hydraulic gradient reversals occur frequently with river‐stage variations. A bidirectional electronic flowmeter coupled with a seepage chamber was used to measure temporal changes in the magnitude and direction of water flux across the water‐sediment interface over an 8‐week period. The specific discharge measured from the seepage chamber compared favorably with measurements of vertical hydraulic gradient and previous specific discharge calculations. This, as well as other supporting data, demonstrates the effectiveness of the electronic seepage chamber to accurately quantify water flux in two directions over a multimonth period in this setting. The ability to conduct multimonth measurements of water flux at a subhourly frequency in a river system is a critical capability for a seepage chamber in a system where hydraulic gradients change on a daily and seasonal basis.
Biochemical Indicators for the Bioavailability of Organic Carbon in Ground Water
Authors: Chapelle Francis H. , Bradley Paul M. , Goode Dan J. , Tiedeman Claire , Lacombe Pierre J. , Kaiser Karl , Benner Ronald
Published: September 2008

The bioavailability of total organic carbon (TOC) was examined in ground water from two hydrologically distinct aquifers using biochemical indicators widely employed in chemical oceanography. Concentrations of total hydrolyzable neutral sugars (THNS), total hydrolyzable amino acids (THAA), and carbon‐normalized percentages of TOC present as THNS and THAA (referred to as “yields”) were assessed as indicators of bioavailability. A shallow coastal plain aquifer in Kings Bay, Georgia, was characterized by relatively high concentrations (425 to 1492 μM; 5.1 to 17.9 mg/L) of TOC but relatively low THNS and THAA yields (∼0.2%–1.0%). These low yields are consistent with the highly biodegraded nature of TOC mobilized from relatively ancient (Pleistocene) sediments overlying the aquifer. In contrast, a shallow fractured rock aquifer in West Trenton, New Jersey, exhibited lower TOC concentrations (47 to 325 μM; 0.6 to 3.9 mg/L) but higher THNS and THAA yields (∼1% to 4%). These higher yields were consistent with the younger, and thus more bioavailable, TOC being mobilized from modern soils overlying the aquifer. Consistent with these apparent differences in TOC bioavailability, no significant correlation between TOC and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), a product of organic carbon mineralization, was observed at Kings Bay, whereas a strong correlation was observed at West Trenton. In contrast to TOC, THNS and THAA concentrations were observed to correlate with DIC at the Kings Bay site. These observations suggest that biochemical indicators such as THNS and THAA may provide information concerning the bioavailability of organic carbon present in ground water that is not available from TOC measurements alone.
The Burden of Stroke in Pakistan
Authors: Khealani Bhojo A. , Wasay Mohammad
Published: September 2008

Epidemiologic literature on stroke burden, patterns of stroke is almost non existent from Pakistan. However, several hospital-based case series on the subject are available, mainly published in local medical journals. Despite the fact that true stroke incidence and prevalence of stroke in Pakistan is not known, the burden is assumed to be high because of highly prevalent stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia and smoking) in the community. High burden of these conventional stroke risk factors is further compounded by lack of awareness, poor compliance hence poor control, and inappropriate management/treatment practices. In addition certain risk factors like rheumatic valvular heart disease may be more prevalent in Pakistan. We reviewed the existing literature on stroke risk factors in community, the risk factor prevalence among stroke patients, patterns of stroke, out come of stroke, availability of diagnostic services/facilities related to stroke and resources for stroke care in Pakistan.
The Burden of Stroke in Nigeria
Authors: Wahab Kolawole Wasiu
Published: September 2008

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is likely to worsen in developing countries over the next two decades based on the projections by the World Health Organization (WHO). With the current scourge of HIV/AIDS and the battle against other communicable diseases like multi-drug resistant malaria and tuberculosis; Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world, stands to risk the further straining of its resources as a result of the increasing prevalence of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases due to epidemiological transition. The current prevalence of stroke in Nigeria is 1.14 per 1000 while the 30-day case fatality rate is as high as 40%. Management of the disease is largely conservative while there is little or no funding for high-quality research. Primary prevention is the key to reducing the burden of the disease in a country with such poor resources.
Identification and Management of Polyvascular Disease in Patients with Noncardioembolic Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Carolei Antonio , Chamorro Angel , Laloux Patrice , Leys Didier , Röther Joachim , Sander Dirk , Stansby Gerard , Weimar Christian
Published: September 2008

Recent registry results have shown that polyvascular disease (PolyVD), usually manifested as coronary heart disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a marker of increased morbidity and mortality in patients with noncardioembolic ischaemic stroke, but is often inadequately assessed. This Personal View Paper advocates routine examination for PolyVD in such patients. Peripheral arterial disease can be readily detected in routine practice by measurement of the ankle-brachial index. This paper makes recommendations for risk stratification, discharge documentation and, where possible, management of ischaemic stroke patients with PolyVD.
Molecular Genetics of Human Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Jun , Claterbuck Richard E.
Published: September 2008

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are the dilatations of blood vessels in the brain and pose potential risk of rupture leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although the genetic basis of IAs is poorly understood, it is well-known that genetic factors play an important part in the pathogenesis of IAs. Therefore, the identifying susceptible genetic variants might lead to the understanding of the mechanism of formation and rupture of IAs and might also lead to the development of a pharmacological therapy. To elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of diseases has become a crucial step in the development of new treatment strategies. Although extensive genetic research and its potential implications for future prevention of this often fatal condition are urgently needed, efforts to elucidate the susceptibility loci of IAs are hindered by the issues bewildering the most common and complex genetic disorders, such as low penetrance, late onset, and uncertain modes of inheritance. These efforts are further complicated by the fact that many IA lesions remain asymptomatic or go undiagnosed. In this review, we present and discuss the current status of genetic studies of IAs and we recommend comprehensive genome-wide association studies to identify genetic loci that underlie this complex disease.
Opinions of Finnish small animal owners about surgery and pain management in small animals
Authors: Väisänen M. A.‐M. , Tuomikoski‐Alin S. K. , Brodbelt D. C. , Vainio O. M.
Published: September 2008

Objectives:To examine the opinions among small animal owners regarding the management of pain and surgery in small animals.

Methods:A questionnaire was presented to 800 owners of dogs or cats who visited one of the four participating clinics in Finland in February 2006.

Results:A total of 482 owners completed the questionnaire (60·3 per cent response rate); 90 per cent of the respondents were female. Owners classified surgical procedures (for example, fracture repair, skin tumour removal and neutering) as more painful than medical conditions (otitis externa and lameness). In addition, owners disagreed most with statements that they had received sufficient information on the appropriate methods of management of animal pain and that the recognition of animal pain is easy. With respect to surgical procedures, owners expressed greatest concern in relation to the animal experiencing fear or anxiety during hospitalisation and the presence of postoperative pain.

ClinicalSignificance:The animal owners had concerns about the presence and management of animal pain, fear and anxiety. Knowledge of these animal owner opinions could aid veterinary practitioners when communicating with their clients on medical and surgical patient management. Furthermore, studies are merited to clearly define how best to successfully respond to these owner attitudes.
Zoledronic acid for the treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma in a dog
Authors: Spugnini E. P. , Vincenzi B. , Caruso G. , Baldi A. , Citro G. , Santini D. , Tonini G.
Published: September 2008

A 10‐year‐old male intact Corso dog was referred for lameness and for a large neoplasm affecting the right foreleg. Physical examination of the patient revealed a 5 × 5 × 3 cm mass in the distal right foreleg. Histopathology was consistent with a diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma. The staging process found no evidence of metastasis. Because of the large size of the patient, the owners elected to treat their dog with antiresorptive therapy. The patient was treated with an infusion of zoledronic acid every 28 days. The tumour remained stable for 16 months and the lameness of the dog greatly improved. At that time, the patient returned for evaluation of a large rapidly growing prescapular mass. Biopsy confirmed lymph node metastasis and the dog was euthanased. Zoledronic acid showed remarkable palliation in our patient and possibly anti‐tumour action and warrants further investigation.