bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CC Chemokine Ligand-5 (CCL5/RANTES) and CC Chemokine Ligand-18 (CCL18/PARC) Are Specific Markers of Refractory Unstable Angina Pectoris and Are Transiently Raised During Severe Ischemic Symptoms
Authors: Kraaijeveld A.O. , de Jager S.C.A. , de Jager W.J. , Prakken B.J. , McColl S.R. , Haspels I. , Putter H. , van Berkel T.J.C. , Nagelkerken L. , Jukema J.W. , Biessen E.A.L.
Published: October 2007

Background—

Chemokines play an important role in atherogenesis and in ischemic injury and repair; however, prospective data on individual chemokines in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) are scarce. Therefore, we assessed chemokine patterns in a prospective cohort of patients with UAP.

Methods and Results—

Plasma samples of 54 patients with Braunwald class IIIB UAP were examined at baseline for 11 chemokines and 5 inflammatory mediators via multiplex analysis. Levels of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-5 (also known as RANTES [regulated on activation, normally T-cell expressed, and secreted]; 32.7 versus 23.1 ng/mL,
P
=0.018) and CCL18 (also known as PARC [pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine]; 104.4 versus 53.7 ng/mL,
P
=0.011) were significantly elevated in patients with refractory ischemic symptoms versus stabilized patients. Temporal monitoring by ELISA of CCL5, CCL18, and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40) levels revealed a drop in CCL5 and sCD40L levels in all UAP patients from day 2 onward (CCL5 12.1 ng/mL,
P
<0.001; sCD40L 1.35 ng/mL,
P
<0.05), whereas elevated CCL18 levels were sustained for at least 2 days, then were decreased at 180 days after inclusion (34.5 ng/mL,
P
<0.001). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed increased protein expression of chemokine receptors CCR3 and CCR5 in CD3
+
and CD14
+
cells at baseline compared with 180 days after inclusion, whereas mRNA levels were downregulated, which was attributable in part to a postischemic release of human neutrophil peptide-3–positive neutrophils and in part to negative feedback. Finally, elevated CCL5 and CCL18 levels predicted future cardiovascular adverse events, whereas C-reactive protein and sCD40L levels did not.

Conclusions—

We are the first to report that CCL18 and CCL5 are transiently raised during episodes of UAP, and peak levels of both chemokines are indicative of refractory symptoms. Because levels of both chemokines, as well as of cognate receptor expression by circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells, are increased during cardiac ischemia, this may point to an involvement of CCL5/CCL18 in the pathophysiology of UAP and/or post-UAP responses.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Growing Season Exchanges of CO2, H2O, and Sensible Heat in Agricultural Fields of the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Fischer Marc L. , Billesbach David P. , Berry Joseph A. , Riley William J. , Torn Margaret S.
Published: October 2007

Climate, vegetation cover, and management create finescale heterogeneity in unirrigated agricultural regions, with important but not well-quantified consequences for spatial and temporal variations in surface CO2, water, and heat fluxes. Eddy covariance fluxes were measured in seven agricultural fields—comprising winter wheat, pasture, and sorghum—in the U.S. Southern Great Plains (SGP) during the 2001–03 growing seasons. Land cover was the dominant source of variation in surface fluxes, with 50%–100% differences between fields planted in winter–spring versus fields planted in summer. Interannual variation was driven mainly by precipitation, which varied more than twofold between years. Peak aboveground biomass and growing season net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 increased in rough proportion to precipitation. Based on a partitioning of gross fluxes with a regression model, ecosystem respiration increased linearly with gross primary production, but with an offset that increased near the time of seed production. Because the regression model was designed for well-watered periods, it successfully retrieved NEE and ecosystem parameters during the peak growing season and identified periods of moisture limitation during the summer. In summary, the effects of crop type, land management, and water limitation on carbon, water, and energy fluxes were large. Capturing the controlling factors in landscape-scale models will be necessary to estimate the ecological feedbacks to climate and other environmental impacts associated with changing human needs for agricultural production of food, fiber, and energy.
Precipitation and Circulation Covariability in the Extratropics
Authors: Garreaud RenéD.
Published: October 2007

Extratropical precipitation is primarily produced by cold and warm fronts associated with surface cyclones and upper-level troughs. The growth of these midlatitude storms is partially controlled by the dry baroclinicity of the troposphere, which in turn can be roughly quantified by the intensity of the upper-level zonal flow. Orographic rainfall, an important component of the precipitation in several midlatitude regions, is also partially determined by the intensity of the cross-mountain midlevel winds. Thus, at monthly and longer time scales, variations of precipitation and zonal flow aloft (as well as wind shear) at a given location should exhibit some degree of coherence. In this work the local covariability of these variables is documented over intermonthly and interannual time scales, using global precipitation products and atmospheric reanalysis from 1979 to 2004. The spatial correspondence between the precipitation and two indices of synoptic activity in the extratropics is also documented.

The local correlation (r0) between monthly anomalies of precipitation and upper-level (300 hPa) zonal flow varies in space, from moderately and even highly significant values (r0 ∼ 0.3 to 0.7) over the midlatitude oceans to near zero over the interior of continental areas. Broadly similar results are found when considering the monthly variance of the high-pass-filtered meridional wind (an index of eddy activity) or the midlevel Eady growth rate. The local correlation map between precipitation and low-level (850 hPa) zonal flow is similar to its upper-level counterpart, but the correlations over open ocean are somewhat weaker, while orographic effects show up more clearly. The correlations are positive and large upstream of the major north–south-oriented mountain ranges, as strong westerlies promote upslope rain in addition to storm-related precipitation. In contrast, the correlation tends to be negative downstream of the ranges, as strong westerlies enhance the rain shadow effects over the lee side.
Inclusion of Ice Microphysics in the NCAR Community Atmospheric Model Version 3 (CAM3)
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Penner Joyce E. , Ghan Steven J. , Wang Minghuai
Published: October 2007

A prognostic equation for ice crystal number concentration together with an ice nucleation scheme are implemented in the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmospheric Model version 3 (CAM3) with the aim of studying the indirect effect of aerosols on cold clouds. The effective radius of ice crystals, which is used in the radiation and gravitational settlement calculations, is now calculated from model-predicted mass and number of ice crystals rather than diagnosed as a function of temperature. A water vapor deposition scheme is added to replace the condensation and evaporation (C–E) in the standard CAM3 for ice clouds. The repartitioning of total water into liquid and ice in mixed-phase clouds as a function of temperature is removed, and ice supersaturation is allowed. The predicted ice water content in the modified CAM3 is in better agreement with the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) data than that in the standard CAM3. The cirrus cloud fraction near the tropical tropopause, which is underestimated in the standard CAM3 as revealed through comparison with the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II (SAGE II) data, is increased by 20%–30%, and the cold temperature bias there is reduced by 1–2 K. However, an increase in the cloud fraction in polar regions makes the underestimation (by ∼20 W m−2) of downwelling shortwave radiation in the standard CAM3 even worse. A sensitivity test reducing the threshold relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) for heterogeneous ice nucleation from 120% to 105% (representing nearly perfect ice nuclei) increases the global cloud cover by 1.4%, temperature near the tropical tropopause by 4–5 K, and water vapor in the stratosphere by 50%–80%.
A Comparison of Forecast Errors in CAM2 and CAM3 at the ARM Southern Great Plains Site
Authors: Williamson David L. , Olson Jerry G.
Published: October 2007

The authors compare short forecast errors and the balance of terms in the moisture and temperature prediction equations that lead to those errors for the Community Atmosphere Model versions 2 and 3 (CAM2 and CAM3, respectively) at T42 truncation. The comparisons are made for an individual model column from global model forecasts at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Southern Great Plains site for the April 1997 and June–July 1997 intensive observing periods. The goal is to provide insight into parameterization errors in the CAM, which ultimately should lead to improvements in the way processes are modeled. The atmospheric initial conditions are obtained from the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40). The land initial conditions are spun up to be consistent with those analyses. The differences between the model formulations that are responsible for the major differences in the forecast errors and/or parameterization behaviors are identified. A sequence of experiments is performed, accumulating the changes from CAM3 back toward CAM2 to demonstrate the effect of the differences in formulations.

In June–July 1997 the CAM3 temperature and moisture forecast errors were larger than those of CAM2. The terms identified as being responsible for the differences are 1) the convective time scale assumed for the Zhang–McFarlane deep convection, 2) the energy associated with the conversion between water and ice of the rain associated with the Zhang–McFarlane convection parameterization, and 3) the dependence of the rainfall evaporation on cloud fraction. In April 1997 the CAM2 and CAM3 temperature and moisture forecast errors are very similar, but different tendencies arising from modifications to one parameterization component are compensated by responding changes in another component to yield the same total moisture tendency. The addition of detrainment of water in CAM3 by the Hack shallow convection to the prognostic cloud water scheme is balanced by a responding difference in the advective tendency. A halving of the time scale assumed for the Hack shallow convection was compensated by a responding change in the prognostic cloud water. Changes to the cloud fraction parameterization affect the radiative heating, which in turn modifies the stability of the atmospheric column and affects the convection. The resulting changes in convection tendency are balanced by responding changes in the prognostic cloud water parameterization tendency.
Roles of the Indian Ocean in the Australian Summer Monsoon–ENSO Relationship
Authors: Wu Renguang , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: October 2007

A negative correlation is observed between interannual variations of the Australian summer monsoon (ASM) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This negative relationship is well simulated in the Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere (COLA) interactive ensemble coupled general circulation model (CGCM). The present study investigates roles of the Indian Ocean in the ASM–ENSO relationship through controlled numerical experiments with the COLA CGCM. It is found that air–sea coupling in the Indian Ocean plays an important role in maintaining the negative ASM–ENSO relationship. When the Indian Ocean is decoupled from the atmosphere, the ASM–ENSO relationship is significantly weakened or even masked by the internal atmospheric variability. This change in the ASM–ENSO relationship is related to complementary roles of Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the ASM variability and feedbacks from the Indian Ocean on ENSO. Without a coupled Indian Ocean, the ENSO amplitude is reduced, leading to a decrease in the ENSO-induced ASM variability, and the constructive impacts of the Indian Ocean SST anomalies on the ASM variability are substantially reduced. This reduces the ASM variability related to ENSO. Consistent with the change in the ASM–ENSO relationship, the local air–sea relationship in the ASM region displays important differences with and without a coupled Indian Ocean.

The long-term change in the ASM–ENSO relationship is related to that in ENSO amplitude in the interactive ensemble coupled model. A relatively higher (lower) negative correlation occurs in periods of larger (smaller) ENSO amplitude. This relationship, however, is not clear in the anomaly coupled model with only one atmospheric realization. This difference is attributed to changes in the signal-to-noise ratio in the ASM variability. A comparison is made with observations and the long-term change in the Indian summer monsoon (ISM)–ENSO relationship in the model.
Use of a Genesis Potential Index to Diagnose ENSO Effects on Tropical Cyclone Genesis
Authors: Camargo Suzana J. , Emanuel Kerry A. , Sobel Adam H.
Published: October 2007

ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) has a large influence on tropical cyclone activity. The authors examine how different environmental factors contribute to this influence, using a genesis potential index developed by Emanuel and Nolan. Four factors contribute to the genesis potential index: low-level vorticity (850 hPa), relative humidity at 600 hPa, the magnitude of vertical wind shear from 850 to 200 hPa, and potential intensity (PI). Using monthly NCEP Reanalysis data in the period of 1950–2005, the genesis potential index is calculated on a latitude strip from 60°S to 60°N. Composite anomalies of the genesis potential index are produced for El Niño and La Niña years separately. These composites qualitatively replicate the observed interannual variations of the observed frequency and location of genesis in several different basins. This justifies producing composites of modified indices in which only one of the contributing factors varies, with the others set to climatology, to determine which among the factors are most important in causing interannual variations in genesis frequency. Specific factors that have more influence than others in different regions can be identified. For example, in El Niño years, relative humidity and vertical shear are important for the reduction in genesis seen in the Atlantic basin, and relative humidity and vorticity are important for the eastward shift in the mean genesis location in the western North Pacific.
Influence of El Niño on the Upper-Ocean Circulation in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Lohmann Katja , Latif Mojib
Published: October 2007

This study investigates the influence of El Niño on the upper-ocean circulation in the tropical Atlantic Ocean (via changes in the Atlantic trade winds) by analyzing observed sea surface temperature (SST) together with an ocean general circulation model integration forced by the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. During periods with anomalously warm (cold) eastern equatorial Pacific SST, the southern Atlantic tropical cell is strengthened (weakened). The difference of the cell strength between El Niño and La Niña years is about 20% of the mean cell strength. However, the variability of the cell is not dominated by the remote forcing from the eastern equatorial Pacific but seems to be caused by intrinsic tropical Atlantic variability. A strengthening (weakening) for periods with anomalously warm (cold) eastern equatorial Pacific SST is also found for the zonal surface and subsurface currents. TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry data are used to validate the results based on the OGCM integration.
Tropical Air–Sea Interactions Accelerate the Recovery of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation after a Major Shutdown
Authors: Krebs Uta , Timmermann A.
Published: October 2007

Using a coupled ocean–sea ice–atmosphere model of intermediate complexity, the authors study the influence of air–sea interactions on the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Mimicking glacial Heinrich events, a complete shutdown of the AMOC is triggered by the delivery of anomalous freshwater forcing to the northern North Atlantic. Analysis of fully and partially coupled freshwater perturbation experiments under glacial conditions shows that associated changes of the heat transport in the North Atlantic lead to a cooling north of the thermal equator and an associated strengthening of the northeasterly trade winds. Because of advection of cold air and an intensification of the trade winds, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is shifted southward. Changes of the accumulated precipitation lead to the generation of a positive salinity anomaly in the northern tropical Atlantic and a negative anomaly in the southern tropical Atlantic. During the shutdown phase of the AMOC, cross-equatorial oceanic surface flow is halted, preventing dilution of the positive salinity anomaly in the North Atlantic. Advected northward by the wind-driven ocean circulation, the positive salinity anomaly increases the upper-ocean density in the deep-water formation regions, thereby accelerating the recovery of the AMOC considerably. Partially coupled experiments that neglect tropical air–sea coupling reveal that the recovery time of the AMOC is almost twice as long as in the fully coupled case.

The impact of a shutdown of the AMOC on the Indian and Pacific Oceans can be decomposed into atmospheric and oceanic contributions. Temperature anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere are largely controlled by atmospheric circulation anomalies, whereas those in the Southern Hemisphere are strongly determined by ocean dynamical changes and exhibit a time lag of several decades. An intensification of the Pacific meridional overturning cell in the northern North Pacific during the AMOC shutdown can be explained in terms of wind-driven ocean circulation changes acting in concert with global ocean adjustment processes.
Personal Goals During Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Salmela-Aro Katariina , Aunola Kaisa , Nurmi Jari-Erik
Published: October 2007

To examine (a) how young adults' personal goals change as they progress from emerging to young adulthood in their university studies and immediately after and (b) the extent to which such changes are associated with the normative transitions and the life events they experience and their age, 297 university students completed the revised Personal Project Analysis and a life-event questionnaire five times over 10 years. The changes in young adults' personal goals reflected changing developmental tasks, role transitions, and life situations: They disengaged from goals related to education, friends, and traveling and engaged in goals related to work, family, and health. The older the participants, the more family- and work-related goals and the fewer friend-related goals they reported. The results showed further that the more family-related goals they had, the earlier they married, started to cohabitate, and had children. The earlier they had graduated and found permanent jobs, the more their education-related goals decelerated.
Catalyzing a Commitment to Community Service in Emerging Adults
Authors: Seider Scott
Published: October 2007

In this study, the author conducted in-depth interviews with college students from affluent suburban communities who perform 10 to 20 hours of community service each week. Three fourths of these students attribute their commitment to community service in large part to a single academic experience that influenced their respective worldviews and conceptions of service. Examples of such experiences include Bible studies, secondary and university-level courses, a freshman week orientation program, and independent study. For the majority of the students in this study, these experiences occurred during the freshman year of college. In this article, the author offers a model that documents the role of these experiences in catalyzing an emerging adult's commitment to community service.
The Subjective-Objective Rhythm of Research
Authors: Malinski Violet M.
Published: October 2007

Cowling and Shattell share their thoughts on participatory inquiry within a worldview that presents reality as a co-creative process that recognizes a multiplicity of ways of knowing. They present the five dimensions of a participatory worldview as it informs the emergence of story in the research process. They conclude their column with examples from their own work, Cowling's on women survivors of child abuse, Shattell's on Latino mental health.
Ericksonian Hypnosis in Chronic Care Support Groups: A Rogerian Exploration of Power and Self-Defined Health-Promoting Goals
Authors: Larkin Dorothy M.
Published: October 2007

This Rogerian study examined how traditional and Ericksonian hypnotherapeutic support groups facilitated self-defined health-promoting goals and power as knowing participation in change for 49 participants with chronic physical illness. The participants were randomly assigned to either a traditional support group or an Ericksonian hypnotherapeutic support group. Measurements of power and self-defined health-promoting goals were obtained seven times over a 10-week period. The results indicated that both the traditional support groups and the Ericksonian hypnotherapeutic support groups experienced significantly enhanced power and progressed significantly toward their health-promoting goals. Correlations for the self-defined health-promoting goals and power progressively and significantly increased through time. This study supports Barrett's claim that power relates to health.
Nursing as a Sign of Hope and Contradiction in the Land of the Children of Abraham
Authors: Baumann Steven L.
Published: October 2007

Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank share a small land area and the birthplace of three of the world's great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is a land of paradoxes: ancient and modern, religious and secular. Nursing in this unique geographic and historical place struggles with many of the same issues and challenges facing nursing in other modern countries, but it also shines with dramatic episodes of nursing's ability to be a sign of hope and contradiction.
A Comparison of the Use of Home Care Services by Anglo-American and Mexican American Elders
Authors: Crist Janice D. , Seon Hye Woo  , Choi Myunghan
Published: October 2007

Elders' use of home care services varies globally. The authors tested the relationship of cultural/ethnic, contextual, and social structural factors with elders' use of home care services in the United States. Fifty-seven non-Hispanic White or “Anglo” and 56 Mexican American elders participated. Use of services significantly correlated with Anglo and Mexican American elders' cultural/ethnic and contextual factors. Perceived need and service awareness were the two factors that were significant for both groups and that the authors believe would be amenable to change in future transcultural nursing interventions to decrease use of services disparities.
The Use of the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 Korean Version (PHQ-9K) to Screen for Depressive Disorders Among Korean Americans
Authors: Donnelly Paja L.
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a translated instrument to screen for depressive disorders among Korean Americans (KAs). The Patient Health Questionnaire– (PHQ-9) was selected and translated into Korean (PHQ-9K). Two research questions were formulated: What is the prevalence of depression as determined by using the PHQ-9K among KAs attending a community-based health fair? Is this Korean-translated version of the PHQ-9K tool useful in screening for depression in KAs? Data were collected at an annual KA Community Medical Health Fair and analyzed following the guidelines for interpreting the PHQ-9. The results demonstrated that 15.4% of sample participants might need treatment for depression depending on the duration of symptoms, severity, and functional impairment, and 7.5% of participants definitely required treatment for depressive symptoms. The usefulness of the PHQ-9K to screen for depressive disorders in KAs at a primary care setting was confirmed.
Hispanic Acculturation: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Siatkowski A. Amelia
Published: October 2007

Although acculturation has been widely used as a health research variable among Hispanics, several inconsistencies exist in the definitions of this concept. The work of Walker and Avant is used as a guide to analyze and clarify the definitions of acculturation in the Hispanic population. Multidisciplinary research studies involving Hispanic populations and the concept of acculturation are reviewed. Defining attributes include interaction between two cultures, change, learning, adaptation, and sociocultural context. Antecedents, consequences, case studies, and empirical referents are discussed. Implications for future practice and research are also identified.
Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction After Chemotherapy for Testicular Seminoma in a Young Patient
Authors: Ozben Beste , Kurt Ramazan , Oflaz Huseyin , Sezer Murat , Basaran Mert , Goren Taner , Umman Sabahattin
Published: October 2007

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor among young men aged 15 to 35 years. Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin remains the mainstay of treatment. We present a 27-year-old man who presented with an acute anterior myocardial infarction during the second course of chemotherapy for seminoma. Because the patient had no significant risk factors for coronary heart disease, the infarction was likely caused by the chemotherapy regimen.
Elevated Concentrations of Soluble Adhesion Molecules and Large Platelets in Diabetic Patients: Are They Markers of Vascular Disease and Diabetic Nephropathy?
Authors: Bavbek N. , Kargili A. , Kaftan O. , Karakurt F. , Kosar A. , Akcay A.
Published: October 2007

P-selectin, E-selectin, and mean platelet volume are markers associated with platelet reactivity that have been demonstrated to be increased in diabetes. We were particularly interested to see if there was a difference in mean platelet volume and selectins between diabetics and nondiabetics, and in diabetics with and without nephropathy, and whether there was a correlation between mean platelet volume and selectins. One hundred and fourteen diabetic patients and 31 healthy controls were investigated. Plasma levels of P-selectin and E-selectin were higher in the diabetic group than in controls ( P = .001 and P = .007, respectively) and in diabetic patients with proteinuria than in patients without proteinuria ( P = .002 and P = .004, respectively). Protein excretion was lower in patients with low mean platelet volume values ( P = .004). In conclusion, elevated platelet volume and high selectin values may play a role in the development of vasculopathies and complications in diabetes mellitus. Further studies are needed to prove these results.
Acquired Hemophilia: A Case Report of 2 Patients With Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor Treated With Rituximab Plus a Short Course of Steroid and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alvarado Yesid , Xin Yao  , Jumper Cynthia , Hardwicke Fred , D'Cunha Nicholas , Cobos Everardo
Published: October 2007

Acquired hemophilia is an unusual disorder in which nonhemophiliac patients develop autoantibodies (inhibitor) against the factor VIII coagulation protein. Factor VIII inhibitor leads to life-threatening bleeding disorders classically described as new onset of diffuse bruising and prolonged partial thromboplastin time in elderly patients. Treatment is focused in the control of the acute bleeding episode and the long-term suppression of the autoantibody. Several immunosuppressive combinations have been described; however, these treatments are also associated with serious side effects that are difficult to tolerate, especially in older and debilitated patients. New treatment modalities explore the elimination of the autoantibody production by targeting B-cells with rituximab, an anti CD-20 monoclonal antibody that has shown success in a multitude of autoimmune processes. This report presents 2 patients successfully treated with rituximab and a short tapering course of steroids and focuses our discussion in the analysis of different treatment approaches available for these patients' population.
Plasma Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Changes Following Sepsis
Authors: Ravindranath Thyyar M. , Goto Masakatsu , Iqbal Omer , Florian-Kujawski Michelle , Hoppensteadt Debra , Hammadeh Rashid , Sayeed Mohammad M. , Fareed J.
Published: October 2007

Sepsis-induced systemic inflammation results in coagulation abnormalities that may be different in gram-positive and gram-negative infections. We used ciprofloxacin to induce a predominantly gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis polymicrobial sepsis in rats. Ciprofloxacin-untreated rats exhibited a predominantly gram-negative polymicrobial sepsis. Rats were subjected to 30% body surface area burn (B), cecal ligation puncture (CLP) with a 22-gauge needle, and B + CLP. Ciprofloxacin-treated B + CLP rats showed a significant decrease in plasma thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels compared with sham rats. However, plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels decreased significantly in B, CLP, and B + CLP groups compared with sham rats. The ciprofloxacin-untreated group showed a significant decrease in plasma TAFI levels in CLP and B + CLP and plasma TFPI levels decreased in all 3 groups compared with sham rats. Histological changes in the liver and kidney included vascular congestion and parenchyma bleed following B + CLP in ciprofloxacin-untreated rats. These results suggest that plasma TAFI and TFPI levels differ depending on the type of bacteria involved in the septic process.
The Missing Missing
Authors: Quinet Kenna
Published: October 2007

Although early attempts to estimate the number of serial murder victims in the United States varied greatly and were exaggerated, current estimates may actually underestimate the number of serial murder victims. This study provides extrapolation from existing databases including missing persons, unidentified dead, and misidentified dead to estimate uncounted serial murder victims. In addition to providing lower and upper estimates of possible victims from these sources, this article also provides a methodology for counting “the missing missing”—missing persons who were never reported as missing and some of whom may be serial murder victims. By counting various sources of possible hidden serial murder victims, the addition of a lower estimate of 182 and an upper estimate of 1,832 additional annual serial murder victims in the United States is suggested.
The Clinical and Economic Potential of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Ulceration and Other Conditions
Authors: McMillan Grant , Glover Mark
Published: October 2007

Selective use of systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that deserves further study and analysis. The current situation in the United Kingdom (UK) is discussed in relation to available evidence and practices elsewhere. It would appear that there is increasing evidence that HBOT could benefit many patients and health care budgets through improved clinical efficacy and cost-efficiency in the treatment of specific conditions, notably nonhealing diabetic ulceration of the lower limbs. This is not only disabling, it may lead to amputation. It is also a financial burden to patients and health service providers. In the UK, it is estimated that chronic wound care costs more than £1 billion a year, with diabetic ulceration accounting for a substantial part of that staggering sum. It has been said repeatedly, and quite correctly, that there is insufficient good-quality evidence upon which a properly informed decision may be made on the contribution HBOT might make to alleviate that situation. It is intriguing that no determined effort is apparent that would seek to settle the issue by encouraging and facilitating appropriately designed and conducted randomized controlled trials to assess the actual effects of this treatment. Indeed, a proposed government research initiative appears to have been cancelled. Is lack of research preventing provision of HBOT?
The Risk and Protective Factors of Violent Juvenile Offending
Authors: Hart Jessica L. , O'Toole Siobhan K. , Price-Sharps Jana L. , Shaffer Thomas W.
Published: October 2007

Understanding the etiology of violent juvenile offending is critical for prevention and intervention efforts. The risk factors examined included marital status of parents, marital conflict, substance use, age of first substance use, learning difficulties, and school failure. The protective factors assessed included parenting styles, academic achievement, attitudes unfavorable toward violence, having a mentor, positive relationships with peers, and being involved in extracurricular activities. One hundred and twenty-four participants between the ages 14 and 18 years were assessed. A discriminant functions analysis revealed that multiple risk and protective factors were significant in predicting group membership. The nondelinquent group had significantly more protective factors than the other two groups. Significant gender differences were also found.
Mineralogy, chemistry and physical properties of bentonites from Başören, Kütahya, W Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Yildiz A. , Kuşcu M.
Published: October 2007

The bentonite deposits in Başören Kütahya, W Anatolia, Turkey were formed by alteration of Pliocene perlite and pyroclastic rocks. Two types of bentonites are distinguished in this area on the basis of their physical properties, chemistry and occurrence. Bentonites were examined to determine their mineralogical, chemical and physical properties. Analytical methods include X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chemical analysis and measurement of cation exchange capacity (CEC), swelling volume, water adsorption, bleaching capacity, and firing shrinkage. Bentonites consist mainly of dioctahedral smectite. They also contain zeolite, opal-CT, cristobalite, quartz, feldspar, dolomite and calcite. The ‘Type 2’ bentonites had greater CEC, swelling volume, water adsorption and bleaching capacity than ‘Type 1’. The variation in the physical properties of the two bentonites is attributed to the differences in the non-clay mineralogy and to the chemical composition and nature of interlayer cation.
A2A receptor signaling promotes peripheral tolerance by inducing T-cell anergy and the generation of adaptive regulatory T cells
Authors: Zarek Paul E. , Huang Ching-Tai , Lutz Eric R. , Kowalski Jeanne , Horton Maureen R. , Linden Joel , Drake Charles G. , Powell Jonathan D.
Published: October 2007

Tissue-derived adenosine, acting via the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), is emerging as an important negative regulator of T-cell function. In this report, we demonstrate that A2AR stimulation not only inhibits the generation of adaptive effector T cells but also promotes the induction of adaptive regulatory T cells. In vitro, antigen recognition in the setting of A2AR engagement induces T-cell anergy, even in the presence of costimulation. T cells initially stimulated in the presence of an A2AR agonist fail to proliferate and produce interleukin-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ when rechallenged in the absence of A2AR stimulation. Likewise, in an in vivo model of autoimmunity, tissue-derived adenosine promotes anergy and abrogates tissue destruction. Indeed, A2AR stimulation inhibits interleukin-6 expression while enhancing the production of transforming growth factor-β. Accordingly, treating mice with A2AR agonists not only inhibits Th1 and Th17 effector cell generation but also promotes the generation of Foxp3+ and LAG-3+ regulatory T cells. In this regard, A2AR agonists fail to prevent autoimmunity by LAG-3−/− clonotypic T cells, implicating an important role for LAG-3 in adenosine-mediated peripheral tolerance. Overall, our findings demonstrate that extracellular adenosine stimulates the A2AR to promote long-term T-cell anergy and the generation of adaptive regulatory T cells.
Postsurgery outcomes in patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia: a retrospective survey
Authors: Ruggeri Marco , Rodeghiero Francesco , Tosetto Alberto , Castaman Giancarlo , Scognamiglio Francesca , Finazzi Guido , Delaini Federica , Micò Caterina , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Antonioli Elisabetta , De Stefano Valerio , Za Tommaso , Gugliotta Luigi , Tieghi Alessia , Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Santoro Cristina , Barbui Tiziano
Published: October 2007

A multicenter retrospective analysis was performed to estimate the frequency of thrombosis and hemorrhage after surgical procedures in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Data from 105 patients with PV and 150 patients with ET were analyzed, for a total of 311 surgical interventions. An emergency procedure was performed in 25 (8.1%) patients; 194 surgeries were done under general anesthesia, and 21 (23%) of 91 abdominal interventions were done under laparoscopy; 155 (50.1%) were major surgeries. Subcutaneous heparin was administered in 169 (54.3%) of 311 cases and antiplatelet therapy in 48 (15.4%) of 311 case interventions. One hundred eighty-eight (74%) of 255 patients were on cytoreductive therapy before surgery. No events were observed in 259 (83.2%) of 311 procedures during 3 months of follow-up; there were 12 arterial and 12 venous thrombotic events, 23 major and 7 minor hemorrhages, and 5 deaths. Arterial thromboses were more frequent in ET (5.3% vs 1.5%; P = .08), venous events were more frequent in PV (7.7% vs 1.1%; P = .002). There was not a correlation between bleeding episodes and the type of diagnosis, use of antithrombotic prophylaxis, or type of surgery. A high proportion of PV and ET surgeries was complicated by vascular occlusion (7.7%) or by a major hemorrhage (7.3%). Prospective investigations analyzing the optimal prophylaxis in these patients are suggested.
Identification of genes differentially expressed during prenatal development of skeletal muscle in two pig breeds differing in muscularity
Authors: Muráni Eduard , Murániová Mária , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Schellander Karl , Wimmers Klaus
Published: October 2007

Background

Postnatal muscle growth is largely depending on the number and size of muscle fibers. The number of myofibers and to a large extent their metabolic and contractile properties, which also influence their size, are determined prenatally during the process of myogenesis. Hence identification of genes and their networks governing prenatal development of skeletal muscles will provide insight into the control of muscle growth and facilitate finding the source of its variation. So far most of the genes involved in myogenesis were identified by in vitro studies using gene targeting and transgenesis. Profiling of transcriptome changes during the myogenesis in vivo promises to obtain a more complete picture. In order to address this, we performed transcriptome profiling of prenatal skeletal muscle using differential display RT-PCR as on open system with the potential to detect novel transcripts. Seven key stages of myogenesis (days 14, 21, 35, 49, 63, 77 and 91 post conception) were studied in two breeds, Pietrain and Duroc, differing markedly in muscularity and muscle structure.

Results

Eighty prominent cDNA fragments were sequenced, 43 showing stage-associated and 37 showing breed-associated differences in the expression, respectively. Out of the resulting 85 unique expressed sequence tags, EST, 52 could be assigned to known genes. The most frequent functional categories represented genes encoding myofibrillar proteins (8), genes involved in cell adhesion, cell-cell signaling and extracellular matrix synthesis/remodeling (8), genes regulating gene expression (8), and metabolism genes (8). Some of the EST that showed no identity to any known transcripts in the databases are located in introns of known genes and most likely represent novel exons (e.g. HMGA2). Expression of thirteen transcripts along with five reference genes was further analyzed by means of real-time quantitative PCR. Nine of the target transcripts showed higher than twofold differences in the expression between the two breeds (GATA3, HMGA2, NRAP, SMC6L1, SPP1, RAB6IP2, TJP1 and two EST).

Conclusion

The present study revealed several genes and novel transcripts not previously associated with myogenesis and expands our knowledge of genetic factors operating during myogenesis. Genes that exhibited differences between the divergent breeds represent candidate genes for muscle growth and structure.
Ptf1a triggers GABAergic neuronal cell fates in the retina
Authors: Dullin Jean-Philippe , Locker Morgane , Robach Mélodie , Henningfeld Kristine A , Parain Karine , Afelik Solomon , Pieler Tomas , Perron Muriel
Published: October 2007

Background

In recent years, considerable knowledge has been gained on the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal cell fate specification. However, hitherto studies focused primarily on the six major retinal cell classes (five types of neurons of one type of glial cell), and paid little attention to the specification of different neuronal subtypes within the same cell class. In particular, the molecular machinery governing the specification of the two most abundant neurotransmitter phenotypes in the retina, GABAergic and glutamatergic, is largely unknown. In the spinal cord and cerebellum, the transcription factor Ptf1a is essential for GABAergic neuron production. In the mouse retina, Ptf1a has been shown to be involved in horizontal and most amacrine neurons differentiation.

Results

In this study, we examined the distribution of neurotransmitter subtypes followingPtf1again and loss of function in the Xenopus retina. We found cell-autonomous dramatic switches between GABAergic and glutamatergic neuron production, concomitant with profound defects in the genesis of amacrine and horizontal cells, which are mainly GABAergic. Therefore, we investigated whether Ptf1a promotes the fate of these two cell types or acts directly as a GABAergic subtype determination factor. In ectodermal explant assays, Ptf1a was found to be a potent inducer of the GABAergic subtype. Moreover, clonal analysis in the retina revealed thatPtf1aoverexpression leads to an increased ratio of GABAergic subtypes among the whole amacrine and horizontal cell population, highlighting its instructive capacity to promote this specific subtype of inhibitory neurons. Finally, we also found that within bipolar cells, which are typically glutamatergic interneurons, Ptf1a is able to trigger a GABAergic fate.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results reveal for the first time in the retina a major player in the GABAergicversusglutamatergic cell specification genetic pathway.
Recurrent adenylation domain replacement in the microcystin synthetase gene cluster
Authors: Fewer David P , Rouhiainen Leo , Jokela Jouni , Wahlsten Matti , Laakso Kati , Wang Hao , Sivonen Kaarina
Published: October 2007

Background

Microcystins are small cyclic heptapeptide toxins produced by a range of distantly related cyanobacteria. Microcystins are synthesized on large NRPS-PKS enzyme complexes. Many structural variants of microcystins are produced simulatenously. A recombination event between the first module of mcyB (mcyB1) and mcyC in the microcystin synthetase gene cluster is linked to the simultaneous production of microcystin variants in strains of the genus Microcystis.

Results

Here we undertook a phylogenetic study to investigate the order and timing of recombination between the mcyB1 and mcyC genes in a diverse selection of microcystin producing cyanobacteria. Our results provide support for complex evolutionary processes taking place at the mcyB1 and mcyC adenylation domains which recognize and activate the amino acids found at X and Z positions. We find evidence for recent recombination between mcyB1 and mcyC in strains of the genera Anabaena, Microcystis, and Hapalosiphon. We also find clear evidence for independent adenylation domain conversion of mcyB1 by unrelated peptide synthetase modules in strains of the genera Nostoc and Microcystis. The recombination events replace only the adenylation domain in each case and the condensation domains of mcyB1 and mcyC are not transferred together with the adenylation domain. Our findings demonstrate that the mcyB1 and mcyC adenylation domains are recombination hotspots in the microcystin synthetase gene cluster.

Conclusion

Recombination is thought to be one of the main mechanisms driving the diversification of NRPSs. However, there is very little information on how recombination takes place in nature. This study demonstrates that functional peptide synthetases are created in nature through transfer of adenylation domains without the concomitant transfer of condensation domains.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the sea spider Achelia bituberculata (Pycnogonida, Ammotheidae): arthropod ground pattern of gene arrangement
Authors: Park Shin-Ju , Lee Yong-Seok , Hwang Ui Wook
Published: October 2007

Background

The phylogenetic position of pycnogonids is a long-standing and controversial issue in arthropod phylogeny. This controversy has recently been rekindled by differences in the conclusions based on neuroanatomical data concerning the chelifore and the patterns of Hox expression. The mitochondrial genome of a sea spider, Nymphon gracile (Pycnogonida, Nymphonidae), was recently reported in an attempt to address this issue. However, N. gracile appears to be a long-branch taxon on the phylogenetic tree and exhibits a number of peculiar features, such as 10 tRNA translocations and even an inversion of several protein-coding genes. Sequences of other pycnogonid mitochondrial genomes are needed if the position of pycnogonids is to be elucidated on this basis.

Results

The complete mitochondrial genome (15,474 bp) of a sea spider (Achelia bituberculata) belonging to the family Ammotheidae, which combines a number of anatomical features considered plesiomorphic with respect to other pycnogonids, was sequenced and characterized. The genome organization shows the features typical of most metazoan animal genomes (37 tightly-packed genes). The overall gene arrangement is completely identical to the arthropod ground pattern, with one exception: the position of the trnQ gene between the rrnS gene and the control region. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference trees inferred from the amino acid sequences of mitochondrial protein-coding genes consistently indicate that the pycnogonids (A. bituberculata and N. gracile) may be closely related to the clade of Acari and Araneae.

Conclusion

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of A. bituberculata (Family Ammotheidae) and the previously-reported partial sequence of Endeis spinosa show the gene arrangement patterns typical of arthropods (Limulus-like), but they differ markedly from that of N. gracile. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial protein-coding genes showed that Pycnogonida may be authentic arachnids (= aquatic arachnids) within Chelicerata sensu lato, as indicated by the name 'sea spider,' and suggest that the Cormogonida theory – that the pycnogonids are a sister group of all other arthropods – should be rejected. However, in view of the relatively weak node confidence, strand-biased nucleotide composition and long-branch attraction artifact, further more intensive studies seem necessary to resolve the exact position of the pycnogonids.