bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth Loss and Lack of Regular Oral Hygiene Are Associated with Higher Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Abnet Christian C. , Kamangar Farin , Islami Farhad , Nasrollahzadeh Dariush , Brennan Paul , Aghcheli Karim , Merat Shahin , Pourshams Akram , Marjani Haj Amin , Ebadati Abdolhakim , Sotoudeh Masoud , Boffetta Paolo , Malekzadeh Reza , Dawsey Sanford M.
Published: November 2008

We tested the association between tooth loss and oral hygiene and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in people living in a high-risk area of Iran. We used a case-control study of pathologically confirmed ESCC cases (n = 283) and controls (n = 560) matched on sex, age, and neighborhood. Subjects with ESCC had significantly more decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) with a median (interquartile range) of 31 (23-32) compared with controls 28 (16-32; P = 0.0045). Subjects with ESCC were significantly more likely than controls to fail to practice regular oral hygiene (78% versus 58%). In multivariate-adjusted conditional logistic regression models, having 32 DMFT compared with ≤15 conferred an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.10 (1.19-3.70). Compared with daily tooth brushing, practicing no regular oral hygiene conferred an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.37 (1.42-3.97). Restricting the analysis to subjects that had never smoked tobacco did not materially alter these results. We found significant associations between two markers of poor oral hygiene, a larger number of DMFT and lack of daily tooth brushing, and risk of ESCC in a population at high risk for ESCC where many cases occur in never smokers. Our results are consistent with several previous analyses in other high-risk populations. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(11):3062–8)
Infectious Agents and Colorectal Cancer: A Review ofHelicobacter pylori, Streptococcus bovis, JC Virus, and Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Burnett-Hartman Andrea N. , Newcomb Polly A. , Potter John D.
Published: November 2008

Based on the high volume of bacteria and viruses that the intestine is exposed to and the importance of infectious agents in some gastrointestinal and anogenital cancers, it is not surprising the many studies have evaluated the association between colorectal cancer and infectious agents. This review highlights investigations of four agents in relation to colorectal cancer. Helicobacter pylori, Streptococcus bovis, JC virus, and human papillomavirus have all been evaluated as possible etiologic agents for colorectal cancer. For each of these agents, a review of possible mechanisms for carcinogenesis and epidemiologic evidence is discussed, and future directions for research are proposed. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(11):2970–79)
Frequent Alterations of p16INK4a and p14ARF in Oral Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia
Authors: Kresty Laura A. , Mallery Susan R. , Knobloch Thomas J. , Li Junan , Lloyd Mary , Casto Bruce C. , Weghorst Christopher M.
Published: November 2008

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) represents a rare but highly aggressive form of oral leukoplakia with >70% progressing to malignancy. Yet, PVL remains biologically and genetically poorly understood. This study evaluated the cell cycle regulatory genes, p16INK4a and p14ARF, for homozygous deletion, loss of heterozygosity, and mutation events in 20 PVL cases. Deletion of exon 1β, 1α, or 2 was detected in 40%, 35%, and 0% of patients, respectively. Deletions of exons 1α and 1β markedly exceed levels reported in non-PVL dysplasias and approximate or exceed levels reported in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Allelic imbalance was assessed for markers reported to be highly polymorphic in squamous cell carcinomas and in oral dysplasias. Loss of heterozygosity was detected in 35.3%, 26.3%, and 45.5% of PVLs for the markers IFNα, D9S1748, and D9S171, respectively. INK4a and ARF sequence alterations were detected in 20% and 10% of PVL lesions, accordingly. These data show, for the first time, that both p16INK4a and p14ARF aberrations are common in oral verrucous leukoplakia; however, the mode and incidence of inactivation events differ considerably from those reported in non-PVL oral premalignancy. Specifically, concomitant loss of p16INK4a and p14ARF occurred in 45% of PVL patients greatly exceeding loss reported in non-PVL dysplastic oral epithelium (15%). In addition, p14ARF exon 1β deletions were highly elevated in PVLs compared with non-PVL dysplasias. These data illustrate that molecular alterations, even within a specific genetic region, are associated with distinct histologic types of oral premalignancy, which may affect disease progression, treatment strategies, and ultimately patient prognosis. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(11):3179–87)
Off-Label Use of Cardiovascular Medications in Children Hospitalized With Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease
Authors: Pasquali Sara K. , Hall Matthew , Slonim Anthony D. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Marino Bradley S. , Cohen Meryl S. , Shah Samir S.
Published: November 2008

Background—

Many barriers exist to conducting pediatric cardiovascular (CV) trials, and the majority of therapies used are not evidence based. Recent legislation has aimed to stimulate pediatric research and improve drug labeling. This study describes off-label use of CV medications in children hospitalized with congenital and acquired CV disease.

Methods and Results—

The 2005 Pediatric Health Information System database was queried for patients with CV
International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision
codes who received CV medications. Off-label use (patient younger than US Food and Drug Administration–approved age) was described. Multivariate analysis used Poisson regression to model the number of CV drugs received off-label. There were 31 432 patients included (median age, 10.4 months; interquartile range, 30 days to 6.8 years). Congenital heart disease (67%) was the most common diagnosis. Other diagnoses included hypertension, arrhythmia, myocarditis/cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, rheumatic fever/endocarditis, and heart transplant. Seventy-eight percent received ≥1 CV medication off-label, and 31% received ≥3 CV medications off-label. The most commonly used CV medications were furosemide, epinephrine, dopamine, lidocaine, and milrinone. The latter 3 (prescribed in 69% of patients) were used off-label in all cases. Medications studied under recent federal initiatives were prescribed in only 20% of patients, and were still used off-label 62% of the time. In multivariate analysis, heart transplant recipients (odds ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.5 to 1.9) were most likely to receive a greater number of off-label CV medications.

Conclusions—

Despite recent legislation, off-label use of CV medications in the pediatric population is common. These data highlight the need for further study to determine which treatments should be used more frequently and which are unsafe or ineffective in children hospitalized with CV disease.
Sex and Gender Discrepancies in Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes Among Patients With Established Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Norris Colleen M. , Spertus John A. , Jensen Louise , Johnson Jeff , Hegadoren Kathleen M. , Ghali William A.
Published: November 2008

Background—

Although eradicating discrepancies in health is of unquestioned importance, there are few studies examining health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among men and women with coronary artery disease (CAD), a highly prevalent and morbid condition among industrialized nations. This study compares the HRQOL outcomes of men and women in Alberta, Canada, 1 year after the documentation of coronary artery disease by cardiac catheterization.

Method and Results—

Patients’ disease-specific HRQOL was assessed 1 year after angiography using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, whereas their generic health status, burden of depressive symptoms, and social support were respectively quantified with the EuroQol EQ-5D, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (short form), and the Medical Outcomes Study social support scale. The latter 2 instruments were used to adjust Seattle Angina Questionnaire outcomes for potential confounding characteristics hypothesized to be associated with sex and gender. General linear modeling and a change in Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores from baseline to 1 year were used to compare the HRQOL outcomes of men and women, after adjusting for demographics, clinical factors, depressive symptoms, and social support differences between groups. A total of 2394 (60% of those eligible) patients responded to the baseline and the 1-year follow-up survey. The adjusted mean 1-year Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in men when compared with women, even after adjustment for all clinical factors, social support, depressive symptoms, and baseline HRQOL scales. Not only were women noted to have worse health status at the time of angiography, but despite adjusting for these differences, residual discrepancies in 1-year health status persisted.

Conclusions—

Women with coronary artery disease report worse HRQOL 1 year after coronary angiography when compared with men, and the discrepancies observed are only partially accounted for by sex differences in depression and social support. As a result, the measurement of gender roles and perceptions may be the best place to persist on the quest to identifying and understanding the noted discrepancies in cardiac recovery and HRQOL outcomes.
Coronary Revascularization at Specialty Cardiac Hospitals and Peer General Hospitals in Black Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Lu Xin , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary S. , Cram Peter
Published: November 2008

Background—

Critics have raised concerns that specialty cardiac hospitals exacerbate racial disparities in cardiovascular care, but empirical data are limited.

Methods and Results—

We used administrative data from the Medicare Provider and Analysis Review Part A and Provider-of-Service files from 2002 to 2005. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine the likelihood of black Medicare patients being admitted to a cardiac hospital for coronary revascularization when compared with white patients within the same healthcare referral region after accounting for geographic proximity to the nearest hospitals, procedural acuity, and comorbidities. We identified 35 309 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in 18 healthcare referral regions and 94 525 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in 20 healthcare referral regions where cardiac hospitals performed these procedures. Patients at cardiac hospitals were more likely to be men and white and have less comorbidity than those at general hospitals. The likelihood of black patients undergoing coronary revascularization at a cardiac hospital was significantly lower for coronary artery bypass grafting (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67;
P
=0.01) and percutaneous coronary intervention (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63;
P
<0.0001). However, this relationship was substantially attenuated among black patients living in close proximity (ie, within 10 miles) to cardiac hospitals (adjusted odds ratio for coronary artery bypass grafting, 0.95;
P
=0.75; adjusted odds ratio for percutaneous coronary intervention, 0.78;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Black patients were significantly less likely to be admitted at cardiac hospitals for coronary revascularization. Precise reasons for these findings are unclear but suggest complex associations between race and geography in decisions about where to receive care.
The Politics of Care and Female District Councillors in Hong Kong
Authors:   Catherine,   Evelyn
Published: November 2008

This study aims to understand the difficulties faced by women politicians using a theoretical construct proposed by some feminist scholars; in particular, the tension between feminine (ethics of care) and masculine (ethics of justice) politics. The career histories of four female district councillors in Hong Kong are presented. Generally speaking, without affirmative action, it is particularly difficult for married women to juggle domestic and community roles without family support; and among younger women, few with young children or planning to have children are attracted to the long work hours, modest income, and job insecurity of a political career. We also observe that women politicians can win local elections by demonstrating that they care deeply about their electorate's needs, especially in grassroots areas, and their daily responsibilities show that much of what they do, and do well, involves care work. However, there is a disconnection between the practice of care and the masculine political power structure. We argue that a good starting point in reducing the gap is for political structures to, firstly, recognise that ethics of justice must take account of women's burden of care, and to, secondly, start 'speaking' care.
An Old Catholic Response to 'The Local and Universal Dimensions of the Church'
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: November 2008

This paper responds from an Old Catholic perspective to the report 'The Local and Universal Dimensions of the Church.' Specifically, it raises questions about the composition of the dialogue that produced the report and the potential of a Eucharistic ecclesiology for ecumenical rapprochement, and it offers further reflections on catholicity and apostolicity, as well as the episcopal ministry in a local and supra-local context from an Old Catholic point of view.
Nature, Formative Power and Intellect in the Natural Philosophy of Albert the Great
Authors: Takahashi Adam
Published: November 2008

The Dominican theologian Albert the Great (ca. 1200-1280) was one of the first to investigate into the system of the world on the basis of an acquaintance with the entire Aristotelian corpus, which he read under the influence of Islamic philosophers. The present study aims to understand the core of Albert's natural philosophy. Albert's emblematic phrase, “every work of nature is the work of intelligence” (omne opus naturae est opus intelligentiae), expresses the conviction that natural things are produced by the intellects that move the celestial bodies, just as houses are made by architects moving their instruments. Albert tried to fathom the secret of generation of natural things with his novel notion of “formative power” (virtus formativa), which flows from the celestial intellects into the sublunary elements. His conception of the natural world represents an alternative to the dominant medieval view on the relationship between the artificial and the natural.
Public Diplomacy at Bangladesh's Missions Abroad: A Practitioner's View
Authors:   Humayun Kabir
Published: November 2008

Recent academic debate about public diplomacy has largely remained focused on the conduct of public diplomacy by developed countries. However, the process of winning hearts and minds through the practice of public diplomacy can also benefit many developing countries, particularly those suffering from either invisibility syndrome or associated with strong negative public perceptions. Despite the information revolution, many people do not know much about Bangladesh, and their ignorance leaves the door wide open to negative associations with a past of political unrest and natural disasters. Curing this 'invisibility syndrome' and its consequences has proved to be a challenge, despite Bangladesh's many creative and vibrant qualities and its record of putting them to good work abroad. This article provides a practitioner's overview of recent initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh's missions in Nepal and Australia in conducting a public diplomacy strategy to update the reputation of Bangladesh.
Comparison of Carbon Nanofibers and Activated Carbon on Carbon Dioxide Foaming of Polystyrene
Authors: Guo Zhihua , Yang Jintao , Wingert Maxwell J. , Tomasko David L. , Lee L. James , Daniel Thomas
Published: November 2008

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and activated carbon (AC) are two forms of carbon with different shape and surface properties. These two carbon materials were used as additive/nucleation agents in the polystyrene extrusion foaming process. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was used as the blowing agent. Both additives showed better properties than talc in thermal insulation foams based on foam density, thermal conductivity, IR transmission, thermal stability, and compressive modulus. Overall, CNFs are better than AC due to the unique foam structure (`pseudo-bimodal' foam structure) of PS+ CNFs foams observed in this study.
Why Should I Be a Teacher?
Authors: Block Alan A.
Published: November 2008

Though teaching yet has its advocates, more and more teachers are leaving the profession after only a few years in the school setting. The satisfactions of this impossibly complex and difficult profession are less and less obvious in this era of accountability and high stakes testing. Indeed, I suggest that the satisfactions often ascribed to the teaching profession are ever doubtful, and in the article I look for an alternative to the current propaganda concerning the satisfactions to be expected by teachers in their work, and suggest that to teach is to take an ethical stance in the world. This ethical stance is, finally, the only and the best satisfaction available to the teacher.
Everywhere in Life There Are Numbers
Authors: Adair Jennifer K.
Published: November 2008

This essay looks at reflective questions most teachers struggle with. These self-analytic questions are framed by two books in particular, Eric Gutstein's Reading and Writing the World with Mathematics and Gutstein and Peterson's Rethinking Mathematics, that advocate for the inclusion of social justice pedagogy in mathematics curriculum. This essay uses these two books to talk about the relationship between social justice educators (in all disciplines, not just mathematics) and the students they teach. Using the discussion found in both books, I argue that who we are teaching matters in how we combine social justice and academics in the classroom and that the families and communities of our students need to be actively engaged in our efforts to connect academic knowledge to social justice. I situate my argument in the writing of Paolo Freire and contemporary U.S. critical theorists currently looking at the intersection of social justice, critical theory and pedagogy.
New Directions for the Design and Study of Professional Development
Authors: Kazemi Elham , Hubbard Amanda
Published: November 2008

Research on professional development (PD) typically focuses on what teachers learn as a result of their participation in PD. Questions are framed unidirectionally: To what extent does participation in PD affect teachers' classroom practice? The authors challenge this unidirectional conceptualization of teacher learning and instead argue for understanding the multidirectional influences between teachers' participation across the PD and classroom settings. Drawing on research in mathematics education, they argue that researchers should examine what teachers are learning during and after PD, looking at the coevolution of participation between classroom practice and PD. To advance studies of and designs for PD, the authors' perspective leads them to argue for the importance of better understanding how teachers come to make sense of primary artifacts, depictions, and enactments in and through PD.
Content Knowledge for Teaching
Authors: Loewenberg Ball Deborah , Thames Mark Hoover , Phelps Geoffrey
Published: November 2008

This article reports the authors' efforts to develop a practice-based theory of content knowledge for teaching built on Shulman's (1986) notion of pedagogical content knowledge. As the concept of pedagogical content knowledge caught on, it was in need of theoretical development, analytic clarification, and empirical testing. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nature of professionally oriented subject matter knowledge in mathematics by studying actual mathematics teaching and identifying mathematical knowledge for teaching based on analyses of the mathematical problems that arise in teaching. In conjunction, measures of mathematical knowledge for teaching were developed. These lines of research indicate at least two empirically discernable subdomains within pedagogical content knowledge ( knowledge of content and students and knowledge of content and teaching) and an important subdomain of “pure” content knowledge unique to the work of teaching, specialized content knowledge , which is distinct from the common content knowledge needed by teachers and nonteachers alike. The article concludes with a discussion of the next steps needed to develop a useful theory of content knowledge for teaching.
Simulating Damage Mechanics of Electromigration and Thermomigration
Authors: Shidong Li  , Abdulhamid Mohd F. , Basaran Cemal
Published: November 2008

Electromigration (EM) and thermomigration (TM) are processes of mass transport which are critical reliability issues for next generation nanoelectronics and power electronics. The purpose of this project is to develop a computational tool for simulating damage mechanics of EM and TM and their interaction. In this paper, a model for EM and TM processes is proposed and has been implemented in a general purpose finite-element code. The governing equations utilized for the model include mass conservation, force equilibrium, heat transfer and electricity conduction. A damage evolution model based on thermodynamics is introduced to evaluate the degradation in solder joints subjected to high current densities and high temperature gradients. The simulation results are compared with experimental data to validate the model.
Academic and Behavioral Characteristics of Young Adolescents in Self-Care
Authors: Shumow Lee , Smith Thomas J. , Smith M Cecil
Published: November 2008

This study examines characteristics of young adolescents who experience self-care, associations between self-care and academic achievement, and whether associations of self-care with academic adjustment vary by child, family, or community characteristics. Using data from the nationally representative 1999 National Household Education Survey, hierarchical log-linear models assessed how self-care was associated with several academic and behavioral measures for 9- to 13-year-olds. Overall, more self-care was significantly associated with lower academic performance and with school behavior problems, although those associations varied by gender, parent-child communication, and whether young adolescents in self-care also participated in some supervised out-of-school activities. Findings are discussed in light of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic and Social Factors and School Achievement in Boys and Girls
Authors: Drukker Marjan , Feron Frans J. M. , Mengelers Ron , Van Os Jim
Published: November 2008

Previous work has shown that school achievement is lower in children living in poor neighborhoods. In this study, the authors hypothesized a role of neighborhood social capital. Data on 11-year-olds were obtained from the baseline measurements of a family cohort study ( n = 328). The data had a cross-level structure: neighborhood level, school level, and individual level. After including individual-level confounders, neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and social cohesion were not associated with school achievement in boys or girls. However, lower levels of neighborhood informal social control were associated with lower school achievement scores in boys only. In boys, a wider social environment that contributes to obedience to norms and values may be conducive to superior educational achievement.
The Interactive Effects of Puberty and Peer Victimization on Weight Concerns and Depression Symptoms Among Early Adolescent Girls
Authors: Compian Laura J. , Gowen L. Kris , Hayward Chris
Published: November 2008

Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the authors examined associations between pubertal status, peer victimization, and their interaction in relation to weight concerns and symptoms of depression in a sample of early adolescent girls ( N = 261). Multivariate analyses revealed a significant interaction between pubertal status and relational victimization in relation to both weight concerns and depression symptoms. More physically mature girls reported the greatest weight concerns and depression symptoms when experiencing high rates of relational victimization in comparison to their less physically mature peers who reported the same rates of relational victimization. This study considers the importance of interactive effects of peer victimization and pubertal status during the early adolescent period.
Self-Control and Early Adolescent Antisocial Behavior
Authors: de Kemp Raymond A. T. , Vermulst Ad A. , Finkenauer Catrin , Scholte Ron H. J. , Overbeek Geertjan , Rommes Els W. M. , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: November 2008

The article discusses a three-wave longitudinal study that investigates the relationship between self-control and aggressive and delinquent behavior of early adolescent boys and girls. The sample consists of 1,012 Dutch adolescents (mean age = 12.3) in their first year of secondary education. Structural equation modeling analyses reveal that high levels of self-control consistently decrease aggressive and delinquent behavior in the subsequent 6 months follow-up intervals. Results for the total sample do not support the hypothesis that self-control is influenced by previous levels of aggression or delinquency. For boys, the partial evidence found indicates reciprocal effects of self-control and delinquency.
The Enduring Importance of Public-Sector Compensation Special Issue Introduction
Authors: Ledvinka Christine B.
Published: November 2008

The increasing amount of new research on government compensation highlights the topic's importance in the public sector. The articles presented here range from an innovative assessment of how state government compensation compares with the private sector to evaluations of local and state government pay policies. Together, the pieces introduce new techniques and assess long-standing practices to appraise the current status of public-sector compensation policy. The combination emphasizes the fundamental goal of ensuring internal and external equity within a flexible compensation system.
Effects of Wollastonite on Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-derived Stromal Cells in PHBV/Wollastonite Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Li Haiyan , Zhai Wanying , Chang Jiang
Published: November 2008

In this study, the effects of wollastonite on proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (hBMSCs) have been investigated based on a polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV)/ wollastonite (W) composite scaffolds system. Cell morphology, proliferation, and differentiation were measured. The results showed that the incorporation of wollastonite benefited hBMSCs adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation rate. In addition, an increase of proliferation and differentiation rate was observed when the wollastonite content in the PHBV/W composite scaffolds increased from 10 to 20 wt%. Based on our previous studies on PHBV/W composite discs, the differentiation measurements in this paper further proved that the wollastonite itself can stimulate the hBMSCs to differentiate toward osteoblasts without any osteogenic medium, and the ionic products (Ca and Si) released from wollastonite might contribute to this advantage. It is also suggested that the osteogenic differentiation of the hBMSCs can be affected by adjusting the wollastonite content in the composite scaffolds.
Pluronic F-127 as a Cell Carrier for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Brunet-Maheu Jean-Marc , Fernandes Julio C. , De Lacerda Clemente AV , Shi Qin , Benderdour Mohamed , Lavigne Patrick
Published: November 2008

The objective of this study is to report the effect of Pluronic F-127 on osteoblast viability and phenotype maintenance in vitro. MG-63 cells are suspended in Pluronic F-127, and MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, prostaglandin E2 production, collagen-I, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression are assessed up to 6 days. Pluronic F-127 leads to a significant decrease in osteoblast viability throughout the 6-day experiment, without altering osteoblast phenotype. The addition of platelet-rich plasma to the polymer/cell construct leads to increased cell survival. When supplemented with bioactive factors, Pluronic F-127 could potentially be used as a cell carrier in bone tissue engineering.
Response of Bone Subjected to Optimized High Dose Irradiation
Authors: Burgess H. Wilson , Mackrell James , Toms Derek , Karunanidhi Anuradha , Vaidya Swaroopa , Hollinger Jeffrey O. , Grieb Teri A. , Bertenshaw Greg P.
Published: November 2008

Allograft tissues are used in over one million musculoskeletal procedures per year. Consequently, it is crucial tissue banks use procedures to militate against allograft associated bacterial and viral infections. Recent studies have identified an important pathogen inactivation technology for musculoskeletal allografts that utilizes high-dose gamma irradiation (50 kGy) under controlled conditions. A total dose of 50 kGy assures that the current standard for medical devices for a microbial sterility assurance level of 10— 6 is met. Furthermore, the pathogen inactivation technology results in a greater than four log inactivation of enveloped and nonenveloped viruses. Efficacious clinical outcome from musculoskeletal allografts exposed to this innovative sterilization procedure will require that there is no performance decrement in the allograft’s biological properties. Therefore, to validate this objective, we executed a study focusing on remodeling and osteoconduction of bone allografts treated with a high dose of gamma irradiation (50 kGy), radioprotectants and well-defined operating parameters of temperature and water content. A rabbit calvarial model was used to test the hypothesis that remodeling and osteoconduction of allogeneic bone treated with the new pathogen inactivation technology would be equivalent to nontreated allogeneic bone. Results indicated treated bone allografts were comparable to nontreated allografts. We conclude, therefore, that based on this outcome and other reports, that high doses of gamma irradiation under optimized conditions designed to reduce free radical damage to tissue will provide safer allografts.
A Nerve Cuff Electrode for Controlled Reshaping of Nerve Geometry
Authors: Caparso Anthony V. , Durand Dominique M. , Mansour Joseph M.
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study is the development of a nerve electrode that reorganizes nerve geometry slowly and controllably. The Flat Interface Nerve Electrode (FINE) can reshape the nerve into an elongated oval and provide selective stimulation. However, the rate of closure of this electrode is difficult to control. The Slowly Closing - FINE (SC-FINE) is designed with an opening height larger than the size of the nerve to accommodate initial swelling. The electrode closes slowly to reshape the nerve into the desired flat geometry. The SC-FINE is created by combining the reshaping properties of the FINE and the controllable degradation of Poly (DL lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). Bonding 50/50 or 65/35 PLGA to a stretched FINE increased the opening heights (OH) on average from 0.1 mm to 1.66 ± 0.45 and 2.05 ± 0.55 mm respectively. The addition of the PLGA films controls the time course of closure over a period of 16 ± 1 days and 14 to 16 hours for the 50/50 and 65/35 SC-FINEs respectively in vitro. An in vivo chronic experiment using 50/50 SC-FINEs implanted in 28 rats with an average OH of 1.87 ± 0.34 mm show that the reshaping periods in vivo and in vitro are similar.
Body Parts, the Water Cycle, Plants, and Dolphins
Authors: Bolden Benjamin
Published: November 2008

This article describes the author's personal experiences leading primary grades in whole-class composing. Together they created songs inspired by topics the students were exploring in their homeroom classes. The author systematically describes the songwriting process they employed, identifying specific challenges encountered along the way. The first task was to identify a topic, then to create a song text. Next they explored and shared musical possibilities to match the text, one line at a time. They worked together to reach consensus on various aspects of the text and tune until they had a song. The author also describes how they made use of these songs as curriculum in the school music program.
Temporal changes and geographical differences in multiple sclerosis phenotypes in Japanese: nationwide survey results over 30 years
Authors: Osoegawa M , Kira J , Fukazawa T , Fujihara K , Kikuchi S , Matsui M , Kohriyama T , Sobue G , Yamamura T , Itoyama Y , Saida T , Sakata K , Ochi H , Matsuoka T ,   and The Research Committee of Neuroimmunological Diseases
Published: November 2008

Background

There are two distinct phenotypes of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Asians, manifesting as optic-spinal (OSMS) and conventional (CMS) forms. In Japan, four nationwide surveys of MS have been conducted. The first three were in 1972, 1982, and 1989, and we performed the fourth in 2004.

Results

The recent survey showed six main findings as follows: (1) a four-fold increase in the estimated number of clinically definite patients with MS in 2003 (9900; crude MS prevalence, 7.7/100,000) compared with 1972; (2) a shift in the peak age at onset from early 30s in 1989 to early 20s in 2003; (3) a successive proportional decrease in optic-spinal involvement in clinically definite patients with MS; (4) a significant north–south gradient for the CMS/OSMS ratio; (5) after subdivision of the mainland (30–45° North) into northern and southern parts at 37°N, northern-born northern residents (northern patients) showed a significantly higher CMS/OSMS ratio and higher frequency of brain lesions fulfilling the Barkhof criteria (Barkhof brain lesions) than southern-born southern residents (southern patients); (6) among northern patients, the absolute numbers of patients with CMS and those with Barkhof brain lesions rapidly increased with advancing birth year.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that MS phenotypes are drastically altered by environmental factors, such as latitude and “Westernization.”
Clinical and diagnostic aspects of multiple sclerosis and acute monophasic encephalomyelitis in pediatric patients: a single centre prospective study
Authors: Atzori M , Battistella PA , Perini P , Calabrese M , Fontanin M , Laverda AM , Suppiej A , Drigo P , Grossi P , Rinaldi L , Gallo P
Published: November 2008

Objective

The purpose of the study was to compare and contrast the initial presenting demographic, clinical, neuroimaging, and laboratory features in a cohort of children affected from multiple sclerosis (MS) or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

Methods

A 12-year prospective study was conducted in 68 pediatric patients (age ≤ 17 years) who presented with a first episode of central nervous system inflammation suggestive of a demyelinating multifocal pathology. All patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The mean follow-up period, as at ending on December 31, 2007, was 6.8 ± 2.7 years (range 3.2–12.6 years).

Results

At clinical onset, children who developed MS during the follow-up (48 patients; 34 females, 14 males; mean age at onset: 14.4 ± 2.5) significantly differed from children affected by ADEM (20 patients; 8 females, 12 males; mean age at onset: 8.1 ± 3.8 ) for the following parameters: prevalence of females affected (female/male ratio: 2.8 versus 0.6, P = 0.03); mean age at onset ( P < 0.001); monosymptomatic onset (73% vs 30%, P = 0.002); encephalopathy-like onset (0% vs 50%, P < 0.001); presence of oligoclonal IgG bands (IgGOB) in CSF (83% vs 10%, P < 0.001); and periventricular (79% vs 20%, P < 0.001), brain stem (12.5% vs 60%, P = 0.000), and basal ganglia (10% vs 50%, P < 0.001) lesions at MRI.

Conclusions

Our findings depict a pattern of demographic, clinical, neuroimaging, and laboratory findings that can help to distinguish, at clinical onset, children suffering from ADEM from those who will develop MS. Childhood-onset MS seems not to differ from adult-onset MS from both clinical and paraclinical features.
Blood-borne human plasma cells in steady state are derived from mucosal immune responses
Authors: Mei Henrik E. , Yoshida Taketoshi , Sime Wondossen , Hiepe Falk , Thiele Kathi , Manz Rudolf A. , Radbruch Andreas , Dörner Thomas
Published: November 2008

Providing humoral immunity, antibody-secreting plasma cells and their immediate precursors, the plasmablasts, are generated in systemic and mucosal immune reactions. Despite their key role in maintaining immunity and immunopathology, little is known about their homeostasis. Here we show that plasmablasts and plasma cells are always detectable in human blood at low frequency in any unimmunized donor. In this steady state, 80% of plasmablasts and plasma cells express immunoglobulin A (IgA). Expression of a functional mucosal chemokine receptor, C-C motif receptor 10 (CCR10) and the adhesion molecule β7 integrin suggests that these cells come from mucosal immune reactions and can return to mucosal tissue. These blood-borne, CCR10+ plasmablasts also are attracted by CXCL12. Approximately 40% of plasma cells in human bone marrow are IgA+, nonmigratory, and express β7 integrin and CCR10, suggesting a substantial contribution of mucosal plasma cells to bone marrow resident, long-lived plasma cells. Six to 8 days after parenteral tetanus/diphtheria vaccination, intracellular IgG+ cells appear in blood, both CD62L+, β7 integrin−, dividing, vaccine-specific, migratory plasmablasts and nondividing, nonmigratory, CD62L− plasma cells of different specificities. Systemic vaccination does not impact on peripheral IgA+ plasmablast numbers, indicating that mucosal and systemic humoral immune responses are regulated independent of each other.
Quebec platelet disorder is linked to the urokinase plasminogen activator gene (PLAU) and increases expression of the linked allele in megakaryocytes
Authors: Diamandis Maria , Paterson Andrew D. , Rommens Johanna M. , Veljkovic D. Kika , Blavignac Jessica , Bulman Dennis E. , Waye John S. , Derome Francine , Rivard Georges E. , Hayward Catherine P. M.
Published: November 2008

Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) is an autosomal dominant disorder with high penetrance that is associated with increased risks for bleeding. The hallmark of QPD is a gain-of-function defect in fibrinolysis due to increased platelet content of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) without systemic fibrinolysis. We hypothesized that increased expression of uPA by differentiating QPD megakaryocytes is linked to PLAU. Genetic marker analyses indicated that QPD was significantly linked to a 2-Mb region on chromosome 10q containing PLAU with a maximum multipoint logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of +11 between markers D10S1432 and D10S1136. Analysis of PLAU by sequencing and Southern blotting excluded mutations within PLAU and its known regulatory elements as the cause of QPD. Analyses of uPA mRNA indicated that QPD distinctly increased transcript levels of the linked PLAU allele with megakaryocyte differentiation. These findings implicate a mutation in an uncharacterized cis element near PLAU as the cause of QPD.
Species differences in small molecule binding to αIIbβ3 are the result of sequence differences in 2 loops of the αIIb β propeller
Authors: Basani Ramesh B. , Zhu Hua , Thornton Michael A. , Soto Cinque S. , DeGrado William F. , Kowalska M. Anna , Bennett Joel S. , Poncz Mortimer
Published: November 2008

Compared with human platelets, rodent platelets are less responsive to peptides and peptidomimetics containing an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif. Using chimeric human-rat αIIbβ3 molecules, we found that this difference in Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) sensitivity was the result of amino acid substitutions at residues 157, 159, and 162 in the W3:4-1 loop and an Asp-His replacement at residue 232 in the W4:4-1 loop of the αIIb β propeller. Introducing the entire rat W3:4-1 and W4:4-1 loops into human αIIbβ3 also decreased the inhibitory effect of the disintegrins, echistatin and eristostatin, and the αIIbβ3 antagonists, tirofiban and eptifibatide, on fibrinogen binding, whereas the specific point mutations did not. This suggests that RGDS interacts with αIIb in a different manner than with these small molecules. None of these species-based substitutions affected the ability of αIIbβ3 to interact with RGD-containing macromolecules. Thus, human von Willebrand factor contains an RGD motif and binds equally well to adenosine diphosphate-stimulated human and rodent platelets, implying that other motifs are responsible for maintaining ligand binding affinity. Many venoms contain RGD-based toxins. Our data suggest that these species amino acids differences in the αIIb β-propeller represent an evolutionary response by rodents to maintain hemostasis while concurrently protecting against RGD-containing toxins.
Evaluation of GO-based functional similarity measures using S. cerevisiae protein interaction and expression profile data
Authors: Xu Tao , Du LinFang , Zhou Yan
Published: November 2008

Background

Researchers interested in analysing the expression patterns of functionally related genes usually hope to improve the accuracy of their results beyond the boundaries of currently available experimental data. Gene ontology (GO) data provides a novel way to measure the functional relationship between gene products. Many approaches have been reported for calculating the similarities between two GO terms, known as semantic similarities. However, biologists are more interested in the relationship between gene products than in the scores linking the GO terms. To highlight the relationships among genes, recent studies have focused on functional similarities.

Results

In this study, we evaluated five functional similarity methods using both protein-protein interaction (PPI) and expression data of S. cerevisiae. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and correlation coefficient analysis of these methods showed that the maximum method outperformed the other methods. Statistical comparison of multiple- and single-term annotated proteins in biological process ontology indicated that genes with multiple GO terms may be more reliable for separating true positives from noise.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the reliability of current approaches that elevate the similarity of GO terms to the similarity of proteins. Suggestions for further improvements in functional similarity analysis are also provided.
Temporal and functional profile of the transcriptional regulatory network in the early regenerative response to partial hepatectomy in the rat
Authors: Juskeviciute Egle , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Hoek Jan B
Published: November 2008

Background

The goal of these studies was to characterize the transcriptional network regulating changes in gene expression in the remnant liver of the rat after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) during the early phase response including the transition of hepatocytes from the quiescent (G0) state and the onset of the G1phase of the cell cycle.

Results

The transcriptome of remnant livers was monitored at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after PHx using cDNA microarrays. Differentially regulated genes were grouped into six clusters according their temporal expression profiles. Promoter regions of genes in these clusters were examined for shared transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) by comparing enrichment of each TFBS relative to a reference set using the Promoter Analysis and Interaction Network Toolset (PAINT).

Analysis of the gene expression time series data using ANOVA resulted in a total of 309 genes significantly up- or down-regulated atanyof the four time points at a 20% FDR threshold. Sham-operated animals showed no significant differential expression. A subset of the differentially expressed genes was validated using quantitative RT-PCR. Distinct sets of TFBS could be identified that were significantly enriched in each one of the different temporal gene expression clusters. These included binding sites for transcription factors that had previously been recognized as contributing to the onset of regeneration, including NF-κB, C/EBP, HNF-1, CREB, as well as factors, such as ATF, AP-2, LEF-1, GATA and PAX-6, that had not yet been recognized to be involved in this process. A subset of these candidate TFBS was validated by measuring activation of corresponding transcription factors (HNF-1, NK-κB, CREB, C/EBP-α and C/EBP-β, GATA-1, AP-2, PAX-6) in nuclear extracts from the remnant livers.

Conclusion

This analysis revealed multiple candidate transcription factors activated in the remnant livers, some known to be involved in the early phase of liver regeneration, and several not previously identified. The study describes the predominant temporal and functional elements to which these factors contribute and demonstrates the potential of this novel approach to define the functional correlates of the transcriptional regulatory network driving the early response to partial hepatectomy.
Gut microbiota and lipopolysaccharide content of the diet influence development of regulatory T cells: studies in germ-free mice
Authors: Hrncir Tomas , Stepankova Renata , Kozakova Hana , Hudcovic Tomas , Tlaskalova-Hogenova Helena
Published: November 2008

Background

Mammals are essentially born germ-free but the epithelial surfaces are promptly colonized by astounding numbers of bacteria soon after birth. The most extensive microbial community is harbored by the distal intestine. The gut microbiota outnumber ~10 times the total number of our somatic and germ cells. The host-microbiota relationship has evolved to become mutually beneficial. Studies in germ-free mice have shown that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the development of the immune system. The principal aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the presence of gut microbiota and the quality of a sterile diet containing various amounts of bacterial contaminants, measured by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content, can influence maturation of the immune system in gnotobiotic mice.

Results

We have found that the presence of gut microbiota and to a lesser extent also the LPS-rich sterile diet drive the expansion of B and T cells in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes. The most prominent was the expansion of CD4+ T cells including Foxp3-expressing T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. Further, we have observed that both the presence of gut microbiota and the LPS-rich sterile diet influencein vitrocytokine profile of spleen cells. Both gut microbiota and LPS-rich diet increase the production of interleukin-12 and decrease the production of interleukin-4. In addition, the presence of gut microbiota increases the production of interleukin-10 and interferon-γ.

Conclusion

Our data clearly show that not only live gut microbiota but also microbial components (LPS) contained in sterile diet stimulate the development, expansion and function of the immune system. Finally, we would like to emphasize that the composition of diet should be regularly tested especially in all gnotobiotic models as the LPS content and other microbial components present in the diet may significantly alter the outcome of experiments.