bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review: The Applicability of Epidemiological Methods to the Assessment of the Risks to Human Health of Indoor Air Pollution: An Overview
Authors: Brown T. , Holmes P. , Harrison P.T.C.
Published: May 2010

Western populations spend the vast majority of their time indoors, and can be exposed to a range of indoor pollutants that may have adverse effects on health. Scientists and regulators need to be able to understand and quantify the nature of the potential risks posed by the indoor environment. Epidemiological methods are available to investigate relationships between indoor pollutant exposure and health impacts, but involve many assumptions and have inherent uncertainties. To establish an accurate understanding of the knowledge base and a sound interpretation of the significance of the results obtained, it is essential that epidemiological study findings are not accepted uncritically and that the advantages/weaknesses of each design are fully understood. This overview identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the various epidemiological techniques used to study indoor air pollution, and considers the place of epidemiological data within the wider weight of evidence considerations necessary to establish causality of associations and accurately determine potential risk.

It is evident that epidemiology remains a key science in the study of associations between indoor air pollutants and diseases like asthma, and a number of recommendations are made that may improve the application of this methodology and the interpretation of derived results.
An Evaluation of Loading Rate of Dust, Pb, Cd, and Ni and Metals Mass Concentration in the Settled Surface Dust in Domestic Houses and Factors Affecting Them
Authors: Khoder M.I. , Hassan S.K. , El-Abssawy A.A.
Published: May 2010

Interior and exterior measurements of surface loading rates for settled surface dust in domestic houses and the content of three metals — lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) — were conducted weekly during the autumn of 2007 in an urban area of Giza, Egypt. Surface mass concentrations of the metals were also calculated. Results revealed that the interior and exterior surface loading rates averaged 1.58 and 8.18 g m-2 per week, respectively. The interior surface mass concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni averaged respectively 311.18, 33.09 and 53.51 μg g-1, and their interior surface loading rates averaged 533.17, 54.78 and 87.84 μgm -2 per week, respectively. The interior surface loading rates of dust were higher at the side streets than at main streets although the interior surface mass concentrations and loading rates of the metals were higher at the main streets than at side streets. Levels were higher in older homes and smoking homes than in new homes and non-smoking homes. Surface Pb per area in all homes exceeded the US EPA and US HUD guidelines (40 μg ft-2) of interior floor Pb dust wipe. Significant positive correlation coefficients were found between interior surface loading rates of metals and dust; among surface loading rates of metals; and among metals’ surface mass concentration.
Measurement of Natural Ventilation Rate in Seoul Metropolitan Subway Cabin
Authors: Kwon Soon-Bark , Park Duckshin , Cho Youngmin , Park Eun-Young
Published: May 2010

The increasing concerns regarding the management of indoor air quality have become an important issue for subway operators because most subway lines are underground and have poor ventilation. To maintain clean and fresh indoor air in cabins with low consumption of energy it is first necessary to quantify the components of the ventilation in the cabins divided into mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation. However, there is no established method of, nor reliable data on, how much indoor air is exchanged through natural ventilation such as doors opening and closing. In this study, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were measured in 6 lines of the Seoul Metropolitan Subways and a theoretical approach was made to estimate the indoor CO2 levels through natural ventilation during the operation of cabins to calculate the natural ventilation rate. We considered CO2 dilution factor during natural ventilation which indicates the exchange rate of indoor air with outdoor air. As the result of the study, the change in CO2 level could be quantified and it was found that approx. 35% of the indoor air was exchanged with outdoor air through natural ventilation.
Assessment of Lung Cancer Risk Using Weighted Average Indoor Radon Levels in Six Districts of the Punjab Province in Pakistan
Authors: Faheem M. , Rahman S.U. , Nasir T. , Rahman S. , Matiullah
Published: May 2010

Year-long measurements of indoor radon concentrations were taken in six districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan, using CR-39-based NRPB radon dosimeters. From the measured indoor radon concentrations, excess lung cancer risk was calculated using the risk model reported in the Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation (BEIR VI) report for the 35—54 and 55—64 year age groups. Using a local occupancy factor, average excess lung cancer risk for the 35—54 y age group residents was found to be 0.66, 0.52 and 0.37 for Gujranwala, Gujrat and Hafizabad districts, respectively. For the Sialkot, Mandibahauddin and Narowal districts it was 0.49, 0.57 and 0.59, respectively. Similarly, for the residents in the 55—64 year age group it was 0.5, 0.40, 0.47, 0.39, 0.46 and 0.46 for Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Mandibahauddin and Narowal districts, respectively. The overall average excess lung cancer risk for the area studied was 0.53.
Treatment of Co-Occurring Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Phobia Through Exposure/Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Dingman Boger Kathryn , Luiselli James K.
Published: May 2010

We present a case report of exposure/response prevention and cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and social phobia in a 46-year-old man. The effects of both treatments were evaluated using standardized rating instruments and client self-monitoring. OCD and social phobia symptoms decreased with treatment, the man reported symptom relief, and results persisted post-treatment. Issues concerning treatment of co-occurring anxiety disorders are highlighted and discussed.
Compliance Training in an Adult With Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type and Down Syndrome
Authors: Horovitz Max , Kozlowski Alison M. , Matson Johnny L.
Published: May 2010

The authors describe the treatment of noncompliance and public stripping in a 53-year-old man with Down syndrome and dementia. Based on a review of the relevant literature and a comprehensive functional behavioral analysis, an intervention procedure utilizing contingent reinforcement of compliance was conducted. Compliance with requests to allow assistance getting dressed was reinforced with a combination of verbal praise, physical contact, and edible reinforcers. Noncompliance had decreased by 85.22% at follow-up. Factors responsible for intervention success and implications for clinicians are discussed.
A Closer Look at Good and Poor Outcome in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Case Comparison Study
Authors: Hersoug Anne Grete
Published: May 2010

The process and outcome of three patients’ individual psychodynamic psychotherapies with the same therapist were investigated in this case comparison study. Multiple assessments with different instruments, including an independent assessor’s perspective both at termination and at follow-up were examined, to identify factors with an impact on good versus poor outcome. This case study illustrated that, assessing the outcome more than one, and with several measures, gave a more complete picture than one single measure at termination. Although this procedure represented the outcome in a better way, it also reflected the complexity of assessing psychotherapy results. Among the central factors for the outcome are: initial severity, quality of object relations, and vulnerability. Treatment implications of the findings are discussed (e.g., the importance of adjustment of therapy techniques, assessments and realistic expectations). Due to the complexity of the results, it is a challenge to understand fully and explain differences between patients and their individual ways of changing over the course of psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Projecting Sprawl? The Atlanta Regional Commission and the 1975 Regional Development Plan of Metropolitan Atlanta
Authors: Basmajian Carlton
Published: May 2010

In 1975, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Atlanta, Georgia, adopted a new regional development plan (RDP) for the seven counties that comprised the metropolitan area. During the process of writing the plan, ARC staff adapted a large-scale urban model to produce a set of region-wide population, employment, and land-use projections, for a 30-year horizon (1970—2000). The development policies ARC ultimately adopted encouraged the building of a vast, low-density landscape, exactly as the model predicted. A number of participants argued that the model had distorted the process by privileging policies that closely matched its projections of sprawling growth. Yet in spite of its trouble, the model helped ARC establish its legitimacy as a powerful force in the development of metropolitan Atlanta. An examination of the process of writing the 1975 RDP provides a case example of the role of planning technologies in shaping regional planning discourse in the latter part of the twentieth century.
New Town in the City: Edward J. Logue and His Vision for Roosevelt Island, New York
Authors: Steen Ivan D.
Published: May 2010

In 1968, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller succeeded in securing the establishment of the New York State Urban Development Corporation (UDC), with Edward J. Logue as its chief executive officer. Of the many projects initiated during his tenure in that position, Logue considered the development of Roosevelt Island the most significant. On that island, in the middle of New York City’s East River, he attempted to realize his vision of an ideal urban community. Although there were challenges to overcome and compromises to be made, Roosevelt Island is today one of the city’s most desirable residential communities.
Transformation of Central and Peripheral Beliefs in the Eyes of the ‘‘Other’’
Authors: Rosen Yigal
Published: May 2010

Peace education in the context of intractable conflict involves conflicting collective historical narratives and underlying beliefs. Could it be that peace education is coping with transformation of different types of beliefs rooted in the collective narratives of the conflict? This study suggests differentiation between central and peripheral beliefs and their connection to the behavioral patterns toward the ‘‘other.’’ A total of 546 Jewish and 410 Palestinian 10th grade male and female youth (aged 15—16) from Israel participated in this study. The study identified and characterized the perception of central beliefs from the collective narrative of the ‘‘other’’ as well as more peripheral ones. In addition, it was found that the central beliefs are more connected to the readiness for social contact with the other side as compared to the peripheral ones. Implications for peace education in regions of intractable conflict are discussed.
Changing Perceptions, Practice and Pedagogy
Authors: Gatt Isabelle
Published: May 2010

Implementing innovation in schools requires careful orchestration of a host of dimensions and stakeholders. Stakeholders fundamental to change are teachers. This article explores the potential of an in-school professional development program at empowering teachers and consequently transforming their perceptions, attitudes, and classroom practice. This program formed part of a 3-year-3-cycle research longitudinal project aimed primarily at promoting Drama within a school situated in a low socioeconomic status area. The discussion centers on the teachers’ initial beliefs, perceptions, knowledge, and practice of Drama and examines the change as a result of the professional development intervention. The research gradually involved all the teacher population (14) in the particular primary state school. At the end of the 3-year project, teachers reported a change in perceptions and enhanced knowledge of Drama conventions and thus felt more confidence to teach the subject. Moreover, they reported that a year after the project had finished, they were still using the Drama strategies learnt in their classrooms.
Triple Capacity Building as Critical Pedagogy
Authors: Hok Bun Ku  , Yuan-Tsang Angelina W. K. , Hsiao Chun Liu
Published: May 2010

This article contains our reflections on the experience of using a triple capacity building (TCB) model to train students in community development work in rural China. The TCB approach subscribes to critical pedagogy, which calls for a reinvention of the self by challenging the traditional model of education and by transforming institutionalized students into reflexive subjects with critical curiosity about society, power, inequality, and social change. By advocating equal participation in rural social work practices and by using the approach of dialogical education, the authors encouraged the participating students to embody this critical subjectivity.
β2-Glycoprotein I can exist in 2 conformations: implications for our understanding of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Ağar Çetin , van Os Gwendolyn M. A. , Mörgelin Matthias , Sprenger Richard R. , Marquart J. Arnoud , Urbanus Rolf T. , Derksen Ronald H. W. M. , Meijers Joost C. M. , de Groot Philip G.
Published: May 2010

The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in blood of patients with thrombosis or fetal loss. There is ample evidence that β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is the major antigen for antiphospholipid antibodies. The autoantibodies recognize β2GPI when bound to anionic surfaces and not in solution. We showed that β2GPI can exist in at least 2 different conformations: a circular plasma conformation and an “activated” open conformation. We also showed that the closed, circular conformation is maintained by interaction between the first and fifth domain of β2GPI. By changing pH and salt concentration, we were able to convert the conformation of β2GPI from the closed to the open conformation and back. In the activated open conformation, a cryptic epitope in the first domain becomes exposed that enables patient antibodies to bind and form an antibody-β2GPI complex. We also demonstrate that the open conformation of β2GPI prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time when added to normal plasma, whereas the activated partial thromboplastin time is further prolonged by addition of anti-β2GPI antibodies. The conformational change of β2GPI, and the influence of the autoantibodies may have important consequences for our understanding of the antiphospholipid syndrome.
Towards a membrane proteome in Drosophila: a method for the isolation of plasma membrane
Authors: Khanna Mansi R , Stanley Bruce A , Thomas Graham H
Published: May 2010

Background

The plasma membrane (PM) is a compartment of significant interest because cell surface proteins influence the way in which a cell interacts with its neighbours and its extracellular environment. However, PM is hard to isolate because of its low abundance. Aqueous two-phase affinity purification (2PAP), based on PEG/Dextran two-phase fractionation and lectin affinity for PM-derived microsomes, is an emerging method for the isolation of high purity plasma membranes from several vertebrate sources. In contrast, PM isolation techniques in important invertebrate genetic model systems, such as Drosophila melanogaster, have relied upon enrichment by density gradient centrifugation. To facilitate genetic investigation of activities contributing to the content of the PM sub-proteome, we sought to adapt 2PAP to this invertebrate model to provide a robust PM isolation technique for Drosophila.

Results

We show that 2PAP alone does not completely remove contaminating endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane. However, a novel combination of density gradient centrifugation plus 2PAP results in a robust PM preparation. To demonstrate the utility of this technique we isolated PM from fly heads and successfully identified 432 proteins using MudPIT, of which 37% are integral membrane proteins from all compartments. Of the 432 proteins, 22% have been previously assigned to the PM compartment, and a further 34% are currently unassigned to any compartment and represent candidates for assignment to the PM. The remainder have previous assignments to other compartments.

Conclusion

A combination of density gradient centrifugation and 2PAP results in a robust, high purity PM preparation from Drosophila, something neither technique can achieve on its own. This novel preparation should lay the groundwork for the proteomic investigation of the PM in different genetic backgrounds in Drosophila. Our results also identify two key steps in this procedure: The optimization of membrane partitioning in the PEG/Dextran mixture, and careful choice of the correct lectin for the affinity purification step in light of variations in bulk membrane lipid composition and glycosylation patterns respectively. This points the way for further adaptations into other systems.
Co-infection and localization of secondary symbionts in two whitefly species
Authors: Skaljac Marisa , Zanic Katja , Ban Smiljana Goreta , Kontsedalov Svetlana , Ghanim Murad
Published: May 2010

Background

Whiteflies are cosmopolitan phloem-feeding pests that cause serious damage to many crops worldwide due to direct feeding and vectoring of many plant viruses. The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) are two of the most widespread and damaging whitefly species. To complete their unbalanced diet, whiteflies harbor the obligatory bacterium Portiera aleyrodidarum. B. tabaci further harbors a diverse array of secondary symbionts, including Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Fritschea. T. vaporariorum is only known to harbor P. aleyrodidarum and Arsenophonus. We conducted a study to survey the distribution of whitefly species in Croatia, their infection status by secondary symbionts, and the spatial distribution of these symbionts in the developmental stages of the two whitefly species.

Results

T. vaporariorum was found to be the predominant whitefly species across Croatia, while only the Q biotype of B. tabaci was found across the coastal part of the country. Arsenophonus and Hamiltonella were detected in collected T. vaporariorum populations, however, not all populations harbored both symbionts, and both symbionts showed 100% infection rate in some of the populations. Only the Q biotype of B. tabaci was found in the populations tested and they harbored Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Cardinium, while Arsenophonus and Fritschea were not detected in any B. tabaci populations. None of the detected symbionts appeared in all populations tested, and multiple infections were detected in some of the populations. All endosymbionts tested were localized inside the bacteriocyte in both species, but only Rickettsia and Cardinium in B. tabaci showed additional localization outside the bacteriocyte.

Conclusions

Our study revealed unique co-infection patterns by secondary symbionts in B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum. Co-sharing of the bacteriocyte by the primary and different secondary symbionts is maintained through vertical transmission via the egg, and is unique to whiteflies. This system provides opportunities to study interactions among symbionts that co-inhabit the same cell in the same host: these can be cooperative or antagonistic, may affect the symbiotic contents over time, and may also affect the host by competing with the primary symbiont for space and resources.
Differential CARM1 expression in prostate and colorectal cancers
Authors: Kim Young-Rang , Lee Byung Kook , Park Ra-Young , Nguyen Nguyen Thi Xuan , Bae Jeong A , Kwon Dong Deuk , Jung Chaeyong
Published: May 2010

Background

Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) functions as a transcriptional coactivator of androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signaling. Correspondingly, overexpression of CARM1 has been associated with the development of prostate cancer (PCa) and its progression to androgen-independent PCa. In our preliminary study, however, the promoting effects of CARM1, with regard to androgen-stimulated AR target gene expression were minimal. These results suggested that the AR target gene expression associated with CARM1 may result primarily from non-hormone dependent activity. The goal of this study was to confirm the pattern of expression of CARM1 in human tumors and determine the mechanism of action in CARM1 overexpressed tumors.

Methods

Tissue microarray was used to determine the pattern of expression of CARM1 in human cancers by immunohistochemistry. CARM1 expression was also evaluated in prostate and colorectal surgical specimens and the clinical records of all cases were reviewed. In addition, a reporter transcription assay using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter was used to identify the signaling pathways involved in non-hormone-mediated signal activation associated with CARM1.

Results

The tissue microarray showed that CARM1 was particularly overexpressed in the colorectal cancers while CARM1 expression was not prevalent in the prostate and breast cancers. Further studies using surgical specimens demonstrated that CARM1 was highly overexpressed in 75% of colorectal cancers (49 out of 65) but not in the androgen-independent PCa. In addition, CARM1's coactivating effect on the entire PSA promoter was very limited in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent PCa cells. These results suggest that there are other factors associated with CARM1 expression in PSA regulation. Indeed, CARM1 significantly regulated both p53 and NF-κB target gene transcription.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that, in addition to its role in activation of steroid receptors, CARM1 functions as a transcriptional modulator by altering the activity of many transcriptional factors, especially with regard to androgen independent PCa and colorectal cancers.
Growth factors in multiple myeloma: a comprehensive analysis of their expression in tumor cells and bone marrow environment using Affymetrix microarrays
Authors: Mahtouk Karène , Moreaux Jérôme , Hose Dirk , Rème Thierry , Meißner Tobias , Jourdan Michel , Rossi Jean François , Pals Steven T , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Klein Bernard
Published: May 2010

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a strong dependence of the tumor cells on their microenvironment, which produces growth factors supporting survival and proliferation of myeloma cells (MMC). In the past few years, many myeloma growth factors (MGF) have been described in the literature. However, their relative importance and the nature of the cells producing MGF remain unidentified for many of them.

Methods

We have analysed the expression of 51 MGF and 36 MGF receptors (MGFR) using Affymetrix microarrays throughout normal plasma cell differentiation, in MMC and in cells from the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment (CD14, CD3, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, stromal cells and osteoclasts).

Results

4/51 MGF and 9/36 MGF-receptors genes were significantly overexpressed in plasmablasts (PPC) and BM plasma cell (BMPC) compared to B cells whereas 11 MGF and 11 MGFR genes were overexpressed in BMPC compared to PPC. 3 MGF genes (AREG, NRG3, Wnt5A) and none of the receptors were significantly overexpressed in MMC versus BMPC. Furthermore, 3/51 MGF genes were overexpressed in MMC compared to the the BM microenvironment whereas 22/51 MGF genes were overexpressed in one environment subpopulation compared to MMC.

Conclusions

Two major messages arise from this analysis 1) The majority of MGF genes is expressed by the bone marrow environment. 2) Several MGF and their receptors are overexpressed throughout normal plasma cell differentiation. This study provides an extensive and comparative analysis of MGF expression in plasma cell differentiation and in MM and gives new insights in the understanding of intercellular communication signals in MM.
Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R)-dependent pathways control tumour growth and tumour response to chemotherapy
Authors: de Oliveira Soraya I , Andrade Luciana NS , Onuchic Ana C , Nonogaki Sueli , Fernandes Patrícia D , Pinheiro Mônica C , Rohde Ciro BS , Chammas Roger , Jancar Sonia
Published: May 2010

Background

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages induces a suppressor phenotype. Previous data from our group suggested that this occurs via Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R)-mediated pathways. In the present study, we investigated the impact of apoptotic cell inoculation or induction by a chemotherapeutic agent (dacarbazine, DTIC) on tumour growth, microenvironmental parameters and survival, and the effect of treatment with a PAF-R antagonist (WEB2170). These studies were performed in murine tumours: Ehrlich Ascitis Tumour (EAT) and B16F10 melanoma.

Methods

Tumour growth was assessed by direct counting of EAT cells in the ascitis or by measuring the volume of the solid tumour. Parameters of the tumour microenvironment, such as the frequency of cells expressing cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), caspase-3 and galectin-3, and microvascular density, were determined by immunohistochemistry. Levels of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were determined by ELISA, and levels of nitric oxide (NO) by Griess reaction. PAF-R expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

Inoculation of apoptotic cells before EAT implantation stimulated tumour growth. This effect was reversed by in vivo pre-treatment with WEB2170. This treatment also reduced tumour growth and modified the microenvironment by reducing PGE2, VEGF and NO production. In B16F10 melanoma, WEB2170 alone or in association with DTIC significantly reduced tumour volume. Survival of the tumour-bearing mice was not affected by WEB2170 treatment but was significantly improved by the combination of DTIC with WEB2170. Tumour microenvironment elements were among the targets of the combination therapy since the relative frequency of COX-2 and galectin-3 positive cells and the microvascular density within the tumour mass were significantly reduced by treatment with WEB2170 or DTIC alone or in combination. Antibodies to PAF-R stained the cells from inside the tumour, but not the tumour cells grown in vitro. At the tissue level, a few cells (probably macrophages) stained positively with antibodies to PAF-R.

Conclusions

We suggest that PAF-R-dependent pathways are activated during experimental tumour growth, modifying the microenvironment and the phenotype of the tumour macrophages in such a way as to favour tumour growth. Combination therapy with a PAF-R antagonist and a chemotherapeutic drug may represent a new and promising strategy for the treatment of some tumours.
Microporation is a valuable transfection method for efficient gene delivery into human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lim Jung Yeon , Park Sun Hwa , Jeong Chang Hyun , Oh Ji Hyeon , Kim Seong Muk , Ryu Chung Hun , Park Soon A , Ahn Jae Geun , Oh Wonil , Jeun Sin-Soo , Chang Jong Wook
Published: May 2010

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive source of adult stem cells for therapeutic application in clinical study. Genetic modification of MSCs with beneficial genes makes them more effective for therapeutic use. However, it is difficult to transduce genes into MSCs by common transfection methods, especially nonviral methods. In this study, we applied microporation technology as a novel electroporation technique to introduce enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and brain-derived neurotropfic factor (BDNF) plasmid DNA into human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) with significant efficiency, and investigated the stem cell potentiality of engineered MSCs through their phenotypes, proliferative capacity, ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, and migration ability towards malignant glioma cells.

Results

Using microporation with EGFP as a reporter gene, hUCB-MSCs were transfected with higher efficiency (83%) and only minimal cell damage than when conventional liposome-based reagent (<20%) or established electroporation methods were used (30-40%). More importantly, microporation did not affect the immunophenotype of hUCB-MSCs, their proliferation activity, ability to differentiate into mesodermal and ectodermal lineages, or migration ability towards cancer cells. In addition, the BDNF gene could be successfully transfected into hUCB-MSCs, and BDNF expression remained fairly constant for the first 2 weeks in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, microporation of BDNF gene into hUCB-MSCs promoted their in vitro differentiation into neural cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present data demonstrates the value of microporation as an efficient means of transfection of MSCs without changing their multiple properties. Gene delivery by microporation may enhance the feasibility of transgenic stem cell therapy.
Comparative study of the antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging properties in the extracts of the fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis
Authors: Hazra Bibhabasu , Sarkar Rhitajit , Biswas Santanu , Mandal Nripendranath
Published: May 2010

Background

Cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in several diseases, and hence natural antioxidants have significant importance in human health. The present study was carried out to evaluate thein vitroantioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging activities ofTerminalia chebula,Terminalia belericaandEmblica officinalisfruit extracts.

Methods

The 70% methanol extracts were studied forin vitrototal antioxidant activity along with phenolic and flavonoid contents and reducing power. Scavenging ability of the extracts for radicals like DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen, hypochlorous acid were also performed to determine the potential of the extracts.

Results

The ability of the extracts of the fruits in exhibiting their antioxative properties follow the orderT. chebula>E. officinalis>T. belerica. The same order is followed in their flavonoid content, whereas in case of phenolic content it becomesE. officinalis>T. belerica>T. chebula. In the studies of free radicals' scavenging, where the activities of the plant extracts were inversely proportional to their IC50values,T. chebulaandE. officinaliswere found to be taking leading role with the orders ofT. chebula>E. officinalis>T. belericafor superoxide and nitric oxide, andE. officinalis>T. belerica>T. chebulafor DPPH and peroxynitrite radicals. Miscellaneous results were observed in the scavenging of other radicals by the plant extracts, viz.,T. chebula>T. belerica>E. officinalisfor hydroxyl,T. belerica>T. chebula>E. officinalisfor singlet oxygen andT. belerica>E. officinalis>T. chebulafor hypochlorous acid. In a whole, the studied fruit extracts showed quite good efficacy in their antioxidant and radical scavenging abilities, compared to the standards.

Conclusions

The evidences as can be concluded from the study of the 70% methanol extract of the fruits ofTerminalia chebula,Terminalia belericaandEmblica officinalis, imposes the fact that they might be useful as potent sources of natural antioxidant.
Recruitment of multiple stakeholders to health services research: Lessons from the front lines
Authors: Kho Michelle E , Rawski Ellen , Makarski Julie , Brouwers Melissa C
Published: May 2010

Background

Self-administered surveys are an essential methodological tool for health services and knowledge translation research, and engaging end-users of the research is critical. However, few documented accounts of the efforts invested in recruitment of multiple different stakeholders to one health services research study exist. Here, we highlight the challenges of recruiting key stakeholders (policy-makers, clinicians, guideline developers) to a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded health services research (HSR) study aimed to develop an updated and refined version of a guideline appraisal tool, the AGREE.

Methods

Using evidence-based methods of recruitment, our goal was to recruit 192 individuals: 80 international guideline developers, 80 Canadian clinicians and 32 Canadian policy/decision-makers. We calculated the participation rate and the recruitment efficiency.

Results

We mailed 873 invitation letters. Of 838 approached, our participation rate was 29%(240) and recruitment efficiency, 19%(156). One policy-maker manager did not allow policy staff to participate in the study.

Conclusions

Based on the results from this study, we suggest that future studies aiming to engage similar stakeholders in HSR over sample by at least 5 times to achieve their target sample size and allow for participant withdrawals. We need continued efforts to communicate the value of research between researchers and end-users of research (policy-makers, clinicians, and other researchers), integration of participatory research strategies, and promotion of the value of end-user involvement in research. Future research to understand methods of improving recruitment efficiency and engaging key stakeholders in HSR is warranted.
Towards malaria risk prediction in Afghanistan using remote sensing
Authors: Adimi Farida , Soebiyanto Radina P , Safi Najibullah , Kiang Richard
Published: May 2010

Background

Malaria is a significant public health concern in Afghanistan. Currently, approximately 60% of the population, or nearly 14 million people, live in a malaria-endemic area. Afghanistan's diverse landscape and terrain contributes to the heterogeneous malaria prevalence across the country. Understanding the role of environmental variables on malaria transmission can further the effort for malaria control programme.

Methods

Provincial malaria epidemiological data (2004-2007) collected by the health posts in 23 provinces were used in conjunction with space-borne observations from NASA satellites. Specifically, the environmental variables, including precipitation, temperature and vegetation index measured by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectoradiometer, were used. Regression techniques were employed to model malaria cases as a function of environmental predictors. The resulting model was used for predicting malaria risks in Afghanistan. The entire time series except the last 6 months is used for training, and the last 6-month data is used for prediction and validation.

Results

Vegetation index, in general, is the strongest predictor, reflecting the fact that irrigation is the main factor that promotes malaria transmission in Afghanistan. Surface temperature is the second strongest predictor. Precipitation is not shown as a significant predictor, as it may not directly lead to higher larval population. Autoregressiveness of the malaria epidemiological data is apparent from the analysis. The malaria time series are modelled well, with provincial average R2 of 0.845. Although the R2 for prediction has larger variation, the total 6-month cases prediction is only 8.9% higher than the actual cases.

Conclusions

The provincial monthly malaria cases can be modelled and predicted using satellite-measured environmental parameters with reasonable accuracy. The Third Strategic Approach of the WHO EMRO Malaria Control and Elimination Plan is aimed to develop a cost-effective surveillance system that includes forecasting, early warning and detection. The predictive and early warning capabilities shown in this paper support this strategy.
Psychological Factors in Asthma
Authors: Van Lieshout Ryan J , MacQueen Glenda
Published: May 2010

Asthma has long been considered a condition in which psychological factors have a role. As in many illnesses, psychological variables may affect outcome in asthma via their effects on treatment adherence and symptom reporting. Emerging evidence suggests that the relation between asthma and psychological factors may be more complex than that, however. Central cognitive processes may influence not only the interpretation of asthma symptoms but also the manifestation of measurable changes in immune and physiologic markers of asthma. Furthermore, asthma and major depressive disorder share several risk factors and have similar patterns of dysregulation in key biologic systems, including the neuroendocrine stress response, cytokines, and neuropeptides. Despite the evidence that depression is common in people with asthma and exerts a negative impact on outcome, few treatment studies have examined whether improving symptoms of depression do, in fact, result in better control of asthma symptoms or improved quality of life in patients with asthma.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes among injecting drug users in Lebanon
Authors: Mahfoud Ziyad , Kassak Kassem , Kreidieh Khalil , Shamra Sarah , Ramia Sami
Published: May 2010

Background

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of anti-HCV among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Lebanon, to establish the current prevalence of HCV genotypes in this population and to determine whether demographic characteristics and behavioral variables differ between participants who were HCV-RNA positive and those who were HCV-RNA negative or between the different genotypes. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling method. The blood samples were collected as dried blood spots and then eluted to be tested for HCV, HBV and HIV by ELISA. Anti-HCV positive samples were subjected to RNA extraction followed by qualitative detection and genotyping.

Results

Among 106 IDUs, 56 (52.8%) were anti-HCV-positive. The two groups did not differ in terms of age, marital status, and nationality. As for the behavioral variable, there was a trend of increased risky behaviors among the HCV-RNA positive group as compared to the HCV-RNA negative group but none of the variables reached statistical significance. Half (50%) of the 56 anti-HCV-positive were HCV-RNA positive. Genotype 3 was the predominant one (57.1%) followed by genotype 1 (21%) and genotype 4 (18%).

Conclusions

The predominance of genotype 3 seems to be the predominant genotype among IDUs in Lebanon, a situation similar to that among IDUs in Western Europe. This study provides a base-line against possible future radical epidemiological variant that might occur in IDUs.
Metabolic effects of influenza virus infection in cultured animal cells: Intra- and extracellular metabolite profiling
Authors: Ritter Joachim B , Wahl Aljoscha S , Freund Susann , Genzel Yvonne , Reichl Udo
Published: May 2010

Background

Many details in cell culture-derived influenza vaccine production are still poorly understood and approaches for process optimization mainly remain empirical. More insights on mammalian cell metabolism after a viral infection could give hints on limitations and cell-specific virus production capacities. A detailed metabolic characterization of an influenza infected adherent cell line (MDCK) was carried out based on extracellular and intracellular measurements of metabolite concentrations.

Results

For most metabolites the comparison of infected (human influenza A/PR/8/34) and mock-infected cells showed a very similar behavior during the first 10-12 h post infection (pi). Significant changes were observed after about 12 h pi: (1) uptake of extracellular glucose and lactate release into the cell culture supernatant were clearly increased in infected cells compared to mock-infected cells. At the same time (12 h pi) intracellular metabolite concentrations of the upper part of glycolysis were significantly increased. On the contrary, nucleoside triphosphate concentrations of infected cells dropped clearly after 12 h pi. This behaviour was observed for two different human influenza A/PR/8/34 strains at slightly different time points.

Conclusions

Comparing these results with literature values for the time course of infection with same influenza strains, underline the hypothesis that influenza infection only represents a minor additional burden for host cell metabolism. The metabolic changes observed after12 h pi are most probably caused by the onset of apoptosis in infected cells. The comparison of experimental data from two variants of the A/PR/8/34 virus strain (RKI versus NIBSC) with different productivities and infection dynamics showed comparable metabolic patterns but a clearly different timely behavior. Thus, infection dynamics are obviously reflected in host cell metabolism.
Correlation Network Analysis reveals a sequential reorganization of metabolic and transcriptional states during germination and gene-metabolite relationships in developing seedlings of Arabidopsis
Authors: Allen Elizabeth , Moing Annick , Ebbels Timothy MD , Maucourt Mickaël , Tomos A Deri , Rolin Dominique , Hooks Mark A
Published: May 2010

Background

Holistic profiling and systems biology studies of nutrient availability are providing more and more insight into the mechanisms by which gene expression responds to diverse nutrients and metabolites. Less is known about the mechanisms by which gene expression is affected by endogenous metabolites, which can change dramatically during development. Multivariate statistics and correlation network analysis approaches were applied to non-targeted profiling data to investigate transcriptional and metabolic states and to identify metabolites potentially influencing gene expression during the heterotrophic to autotrophic transition of seedling establishment.

Results

Microarray-based transcript profiles were obtained from extracts of Arabidopsis seeds or seedlings harvested from imbibition to eight days-old.1H-NMR metabolite profiles were obtained for corresponding samples. Analysis of transcript data revealed high differential gene expression through seedling emergence followed by a period of less change. Differential gene expression increased gradually to day 8, and showed two days, 5 and 7, with a very high proportion of up-regulated genes, including transcription factor/signaling genes. Network cartography using spring embedding revealed two primary clusters of highly correlated metabolites, which appear to reflect temporally distinct metabolic states. Principle Component Analyses of both sets of profiling data produced a chronological spread of time points, which would be expected of a developmental series. The network cartography of the transcript data produced two distinct clusters comprising days 0 to 2 and days 3 to 8, whereas the corresponding analysis of metabolite data revealed a shift of day 2 into the day 3 to 8 group. A metabolite and transcript pair-wise correlation analysis encompassing all time points gave a set of 237 highly significant correlations. Of 129 genes correlated to sucrose, 44 of them were known to be sucrose responsive including a number of transcription factors.

Conclusions

Microarray analysis during germination and establishment revealed major transitions in transcriptional activity at time points potentially associated with developmental transitions. Network cartography using spring-embedding indicate that a shift in the state of nutritionally important metabolites precedes a major shift in the transcriptional state going from germination to seedling emergence. Pair-wise linear correlations of transcript and metabolite levels identified many genes known to be influenced by metabolites, and provided other targets to investigate metabolite regulation of gene expression during seedling establishment.
500 ml of blood loss does not decrease non-invasive tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) as measured by near infrared spectroscopy - A hypothesis generating pilot study in healthy adult women
Authors: Jeger Victor , Jakob Stephan M , Fontana Stefano , Wolf Martin , Zimmermann Heinz , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K
Published: May 2010

Background

The goal when resuscitating trauma patients is to achieve adequate tissue perfusion. One parameter of tissue perfusion is tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), as measured by near infrared spectroscopy. Using a commercially available device, we investigated whether clinically relevant blood loss of 500 ml in healthy volunteers can be detected by changes in StO2 after a standardized ischemic event.

Methods

We performed occlusion of the brachial artery for 3 minutes in 20 healthy female blood donors before and after blood donation. StO2 and total oxygenated tissue hemoglobin (O2Hb) were measured continuously at the thenar eminence. 10 healthy volunteers were assessed in the same way, to examine whether repeated vascular occlusion without blood donation exhibits time dependent effects.

Results

Blood donation caused a substantial decrease in systolic blood pressure, but did not affect resting StO2 and O2Hb values. No changes were measured in the blood donor group in the reaction to the vascular occlusion test, but in the control group there was an increase in the O2Hb rate of recovery during the reperfusion phase.

Conclusion

StO2 measured at the thenar eminence seems to be insensitive to blood loss of 500 ml in this setting. Probably blood loss greater than this might lead to detectable changes guiding the treating physician. The exact cut off for detectable changes and the time effect on repeated vascular occlusion tests should be explored further. Until now no such data exist.
Molecular analysis of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) subtypes reveals two distinct cell populations with different identities
Authors: Medina Reinhold J , O'Neill Christina L , Sweeney Mark , Guduric-Fuchs Jasenka , Gardiner Tom A , Simpson David A , Stitt Alan W
Published: May 2010

Background

The term endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is currently used to refer to cell populations which are quite dissimilar in terms of biological properties. This study provides a detailed molecular fingerprint for two EPC subtypes: early EPCs (eEPCs) and outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs).

Methods

Human blood-derived eEPCs and OECs were characterised by using genome-wide transcriptional profiling, 2D protein electrophoresis, and electron microscopy. Comparative analysis at the transcript and protein level included monocytes and mature endothelial cells as reference cell types.

Results

Our data show that eEPCs and OECs have strikingly different gene expression signatures. Many highly expressed transcripts in eEPCs are haematopoietic specific (RUNX1, WAS, LYN) with links to immunity and inflammation (TLRs, CD14, HLAs), whereas many transcripts involved in vascular development and angiogenesis-related signalling pathways (Tie2, eNOS, Ephrins) are highly expressed in OECs. Comparative analysis with monocytes and mature endothelial cells clusters eEPCs with monocytes, while OECs segment with endothelial cells. Similarly, proteomic analysis revealed that 90% of spots identified by 2-D gel analysis are common between OECs and endothelial cells while eEPCs share 77% with monocytes. In line with the expression pattern of caveolins and cadherins identified by microarray analysis, ultrastructural evaluation highlighted the presence of caveolae and adherens junctions only in OECs.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that eEPCs are haematopoietic cells with a molecular phenotype linked to monocytes; whereas OECs exhibit commitment to the endothelial lineage. These findings indicate that OECs might be an attractive cell candidate for inducing therapeutic angiogenesis, while eEPC should be used with caution because of their monocytic nature.